In a cunning scheme, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested Md Aziz Molla for swindling over Tk17 lakh from a victim, using the lure of a fictitious $5 million life insurance payout. The New Market police apprehended the suspect on 13 October 2024, uncovering an elaborate scam involving fake identities, fraudulent documents, and deceptive promises.
The victim, Md Nuruzzaman, filed a complaint stating that the scam began on 29 September 2024, when he was contacted on Facebook by someone named “Anna Harrison.” The scammer guided him to a WhatsApp number and convinced Nuruzzaman that a Bangladeshi-origin man, Mohammad Belton, had passed away in the U.S., leaving behind $5 million. The fraudster persuaded Nuruzzaman to pose as the deceased’s relative to claim the supposed life insurance payout.
Nuruzzaman was then given another WhatsApp number, allegedly of the bank’s manager, and instructed to send a message. The fraud intensified as “Anna Harrison” connected him with a supposed legal advisor who demanded $76,000 in fees to process the insurance claim. A fake payment slip was even sent to Nuruzzaman to make the transaction appear legitimate.
The scam escalated when Nuruzzaman was shown a video supposedly proving that the $5 million had been packed in suitcases and sent to Bangladesh. He was asked to pay Tk185,000 in insurance and delivery fees, which he did. Further demands followed, including Tk407,000 to a “customs official” for releasing the suitcases, and Tk11.75 lakh for taxes and duties.
By 12 October, after transferring a total of Tk17.7 lakh, Nuruzzaman grew suspicious when asked for an additional Tk10.5 lakh. He contacted Dhaka airport customs, only to learn there was no such delivery. Realizing the scam, he filed a police case.
Through digital forensics and coordination with Khilgaon police, law enforcement tracked down and arrested Aziz Molla at a model agency office in Dhaka’s Banasree area. Nine checkbooks, three ATM cards, two Visa cards, and two mobile phones used in the fraud were seized. During interrogation, Molla confessed to his involvement in the scam, and police are working to arrest other members of the fraud ring.
