Bangladesh Police Arrest Three for Operating International Online Gambling Ring
Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested three individuals linked to a sophisticated cross-border money laundering ring that facilitated illicit online gambling. The suspects, taken into custody during a series of raids in Tangail on Sunday, are accused of using bank accounts, mobile financial services, and cryptocurrency platforms to funnel proceeds from illegal betting platforms out of the country.
The arrestees were identified as 47-year-old Md. Solaiman, 28-year-old Md. Sagar Mia, and 32-year-old Md. Jewel Rana. According to a CID press statement, the operation began with the apprehension of Solaiman at a departmental store he owned near the Kagmara bridge. Subsequent interrogation led investigators to a mobile financial service distribution house, where Mia and Rana were taken into custody.
Investigators revealed that the suspects played a pivotal role in the supply chain for gambling platforms. Solaiman reportedly provided agent SIM cards for a fee, while Mia and Rana, working as distribution sales officers, leveraged their positions to secure and supply additional agent SIMs to gambling operators in exchange for commissions. The CID had been tracking these activities as part of broader monitoring of online betting websites that utilized social media advertising to target users interested in sports wagering and virtual casinos.
The arrests follow a formal case filed by the CID at the Paltan police station on May 17 under the Cyber Security Act, 2026. Forensic analysis of financial records revealed that participants in the gambling schemes were directed to deposit funds via mobile financial services, bank accounts, or cryptocurrency wallets. Once deposited, the funds were converted into virtual balances for use on gambling platforms.
Authorities allege that the suspects acted as hubs for a widespread network of agents across the country. After deducting commissions, the ring funneled the remaining gambling proceeds abroad through a mix of domestic bank accounts and decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges.
CID officials noted that the integration of digital currency and advanced financial technology has significantly increased the complexity of these investigations. However, the agency confirmed that it is continuing to employ advanced digital forensics and financial intelligence analysis to map the reach of the criminal network and identify further participants involved in the illicit transfer of capital.
