Two Remanded Over Deepfake Fraud Using Cleric’s Image

A Dhaka court has placed two young men on a two-day remand in connection with a fraudulent scheme involving “deepfake” technology. The suspects are accused of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replicate the image and voice of prominent Islamic orator Mizanur Rahman Azhari to promote sexual enhancement products.

Judicial Proceedings and Remand Orders

On Tuesday, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Jonaid issued the order following a hearing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court. The two suspects placed on remand have been identified as Md. Sarafat Hossain, 24, and Md. Shafaet Hossain Shuvo, 21.

Sub-Inspector Samim Hossain of Paltan Model Thana, the investigating officer for the case, initially petitioned the court for a 10-day remand for all ten suspects arrested in the operation. While the defence counsel moved for bail and requested the cancellation of the remand plea, the court granted a two-day interrogation period for two primary suspects. The remaining eight individuals were denied bail and ordered to be sent to prison.

Details of the Detained Suspects

The individuals currently in judicial custody pending further investigation are listed below:

Background of the Investigation

The legal proceedings began on 23 April, when a citizen named Bilal Hossain filed a formal complaint at the Paltan Model Police Station under the Cyber Security Act. Following the First Information Report (FIR), a coordinated raid was conducted by the Paltan Model Thana of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Bayezid Bostami Thana of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP).

The suspects were apprehended at a rented flat in the Bayezid Bostami area of Chittagong. Although the accused hail from various districts across Bangladesh, they had allegedly established a centralized operational hub in Chittagong to execute their digital fraud activities.

Method of Operation

According to the case files, the syndicate utilised sophisticated AI tools to generate highly realistic “deepfake” videos. By mimicking the likeness and vocal patterns of Mizanur Rahman Azhari, the group created content that appeared to show the cleric endorsing specific medicinal products. These videos were disseminated across at least 24 fraudulent Facebook pages and several websites.

The syndicate allegedly profited by deceiving the public into purchasing these products via “Cash on Delivery” (COD) services. This method allowed the perpetrators to collect funds from unsuspecting victims who believed the endorsements were genuine. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the technical infrastructure used to generate the deepfake content.