Four held over fake police clearance certificate scam in Chattogram

Police have arrested four members of a fraud ring for allegedly issuing a fake police clearance certificate to an overseas-bound young man in Chattogram.

The victim had agreed to pay Tk 2.5 lakh to obtain the certificate quickly. The suspects allegedly took Tk 1.2 lakh in advance and later handed him a certificate bearing forged official seals and signatures.

The fraud was made more convincing with a fake website designed to resemble the government’s official portal and a counterfeit QR code. Scanning the code reportedly displayed fake approval information on the fraudulent website.

The scam came to light when a travel agency detected discrepancies while verifying the certificate. The victim subsequently filed a written complaint with the Chattogram district police superintendent.

Following the complaint, the District Detective Branch analysed financial transactions and digital evidence to identify the suspects. A joint operation by the District Special Branch and Detective Branch late on Sunday night led to their arrests from different parts of Chattogram city and Banshkhali upazila.

The arrested men were identified as Md Ashraf Ali Khan, 36, Md Nishan, 36, Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, 48, and Md Abdur Rahman, 46.

A case has been filed with Banshkhali Police Station.

Chattogram Police Superintendent Masud Alam said police clearance certificates are important government documents that represent Bangladeshi citizens abroad. He warned that those involved in forging official signatures and misusing technology would face action.

Police also urged people travelling abroad to apply for police clearance through the designated government website rather than relying on brokers or intermediaries.

SKS