Suspected mastermind arrested

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested the alleged mastermind of a fraud ring accused of embezzling Tk 30.87 lakh by impersonating the manager of the auction department at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and luring victims with offers of iPhones, laptops and other electronic products at heavily discounted prices.

Confirming the arrest on Tuesday, CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan said that the suspect, Md Ibrahim Hossain alias Robin Sikder was arrested from North Badda in the capital shortly after midnight on July 5.

According to the CID, the fraudsters contacted victims through WhatsApp, posing as officials of the airport's auction department and offering iPhones, Samsung smartphones and laptops at bargain prices. To gain credibility, they provided forged government documents, including fake papers purportedly issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Believing the scheme to be genuine, one victim transferred nearly Tk 30.87 lakh to several bank and mobile financial service (MFS) accounts. The suspects then cut off all communication without delivering the promised products.

During the arrest, CID officers seized five mobile phones and seven SIM cards allegedly used in the fraud.

The CID said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.