3 Chinese nationals arrested for running fake iPhone ‘Mini Factory’ in Dhaka

Bangladesh’s Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested three Chinese nationals for allegedly operating a clandestine “mini factory” in the capital to assemble counterfeit iPhones and sell them as genuine products.

The arrests were made during raids in the Uttara and Nikunja areas of Dhaka, DB officials said on Thursday (January 8).

Speaking at a press briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Centre, Mirpur Division DB Deputy Commissioner Mohiuddin Mahmud Sohel said investigators recovered 363 iPhones of various models, a large quantity of iPhone spare parts, and eight bottles of foreign liquor. The seized items are estimated to be worth nearly Tk 2 crore.

According to the DB, the syndicate illegally imported iPhone components from abroad and assembled complete devices at secret locations in Dhaka using skilled technicians. The phones were then packaged to resemble new products and sold at high prices as authentic iPhones.

Sohel said the operation was not limited to foreign nationals and involved several unscrupulous local mobile phone traders. “The network is deep-rooted and extensive,” he added.

Police warned consumers to exercise caution when purchasing expensive smartphones, particularly from unauthorised or suspicious outlets, as they risk being defrauded.

Legal action is being prepared against the arrested suspects on charges of smuggling and fraud, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.