DHAKA, Bangladesh — The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two members of a suspected organised gang, including the ringleader, for allegedly defrauding people of nearly Tk5 crore through a sophisticated online investment scam.
According to a CID press release on 7 November, the gang lured victims via fake investment groups on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, posing as representatives of foreign companies promising high returns in a short period.
In the early hours of 6 November, CID officers from the Dhaka Metro East Division arrested Fardin Ahmed, alias Protik, 25, from Panchagarh. Acting on information provided by him, authorities later detained his associate, Sagar Ahmed from Thakurgaon.
The CID said Fardin used over 30 bank and mobile financial service accounts, along with multiple SIM cards under false names, while Sagar operated a fake Telegram group called ‘Alex Wick’ to defraud investors. The gang laundered and misappropriated funds, leaving many victims bankrupt and some account holders in legal trouble.
To cash out, Fardin allegedly purchased vehicles via bank transactions and quickly resold them at lower prices, showing fake losses to justify withdrawals. During interrogation, Fardin confessed to his involvement in the scam.
