Authorities in Bangladesh have arrested a key member of an international fraud network accused of impersonating global institutions—including the World Bank—to lure victims with promises of low-interest loans.
Mohammad Sohag Hossain, 35, was arrested in the early hours of November 28 at a residence in Sonapur union of Lakshmipur. During the operation, the CID’s Cyber Police Center (CPC) seized five mobile phones, multiple bKash and Nagad agent accounts, nine SIM cards, and other personal data linked to the scheme.
The bust highlights Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to disrupt sophisticated fraud operations that threaten both national security and the country’s global reputation. The World Bank, IFAD, and several UN agencies had alerted Bangladesh Police about scams misusing their names.
Investigators said the fraud ring contacted victims through WhatsApp, pretending to be “loan officers” from the World Bank’s loan program. They offered loans of BDT 1 million at just 2% interest and directed applicants to a fake website, where victims entered their information. Once engaged, the scammers demanded staged payments for supposed processing fees, insurance, VAT, and other charges.
One victim in Shahjahanpur Thana lost BDT 247,448 through a combination of cash deposits, mobile transfers, and bank payments. CID’s Cyber Intelligence and Risk Management Team is continuing to trace funds and identify other victims.
According to investigators, Hossain coordinated local mobile financial service accounts, SIM cards, and illicit transactions on behalf of overseas ringleaders. He also helped channel stolen money to international members of the network. Similar cases linked to the group have been reported across the country.
Hossain has been presented in court, where authorities requested a 10-day remand to identify additional perpetrators, locate associated accounts, uncover collaborators, and verify the identities of affected victims.
The CPC reminded the public that no government or international agency issues loans through WhatsApp, Facebook, unknown numbers, or suspicious websites. Any demand for upfront fees, taxes, or verification payments is a major red flag. They urged citizens to report fraudulent loan offers immediately.
