Six Chinese nationals arrested in Bangladesh over online fraud

Bangladesh police have arrested six Chinese nationals during a raid on a hotel in Cox’s Bazar over alleged involvement in online fraud, cybercrime and illegal gambling activities.

According to local police, the suspects were arrested during a raid on a hotel in Cox’s Bazar city on Friday night.

Police said they recovered 1,938 iPhones, around 30 to 40 laptops and several communication devices allegedly used by foreign law-enforcement agencies.

Police sources said the large number of smartphones and laptops recovered from the suspects raised concerns about their alleged involvement in organised online fraud.

Meanwhile, a police source claimed that a large number of foreign nationals staying in Cox’s Bazar could also be involved in online fraud.

An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said around 200 to 300 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals were staying on rent at two hotels in the Marine Drive area and were suspected of conducting online fraudulent activities.

Officials at the Sea Palace Hotel in Cox’s Bazar said a group of Chinese nationals had checked into the hotel on August 26.

Some members of the group were detained during a police raid on Thursday night.

Police have launched an investigation into the case and are examining the seized electronic devices and other equipment to determine the nature and scale of the alleged cybercrime network.
 
Reporter: Saleem Raza