CID arrests 2 for bank fraud using fake software update links

Two members of a fraud ring have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations of siphoning nearly Tk 9 lakh from a bank account after taking control of a mobile phone through a phishing link, luring the victim with a software update offer.

The Cyber Investigation Team of the CID's Cyber Police Centre arrested them in separate raids in Rangpur on Wednesday night. The CID confirmed the arrests on Thursday.

The arrested individuals are Shahid Al Imran Saura (36) from Kishoreganj in Nilphamari and Md Sagar Hossain (28) from Islamnagar in Kotwali, Rangpur.

The CID said the victim received a message about a software update on his phone on June 2. After viewing the message, his phone began updating automatically and the display went blank. Despite trying for a long time, he could not regain control of the device. When the phone display turned back on, he learned through various messages that money had been transferred from his bank account to various accounts and mobile financial services. Upon checking the bank statement, he found that a total of Tk 9,086 had been transferred.

A case was filed under the relevant sections of the Cyber Security Act, 2023, with the Palton Police Station on June 4. The case was later transferred to the CID's Cyber Police Centre for investigation.

During preliminary interrogation, Sagar Hossain said he was connected to an international online fraud ring through Facebook and Telegram, collecting and controlling various individuals' bank accounts. After withdrawing the extorted money through fraud, it was sent online to his accomplices abroad, and members of the gang received a commission in return.

The CID said preliminary evidence has been found linking the two arrestees to the incident. Operations are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices, and the investigation into the case continues.