Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 23rd May 2025, 7:35 PM
In a disturbing case of online exploitation, a college student from Chattogram, Bangladesh, fell victim to blackmail after exchanging photos over WhatsApp. The perpetrator, posing as a friend, manipulated the girl into handing over gold ornaments and money worth over Tk 3.1 million (approx. £22,000).
| Timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| 2.5 months ago | Shafayet Ullah, a college student, met the victim (an 11th-grade girl) in a WhatsApp group. |
| Relationship built | The two exchanged personal photos. |
| Edited Photos | Shafayet allegedly altered the girl’s photos to create obscene content. |
| Initial Blackmail | Threatened to circulate the images online unless she complied with demands. |
| Form of Extortion | Items Taken |
|---|---|
| Initial Demand | Tk 200,000 (£1,400) — when refused, asked for gold instead. |
| March 5 | Girl handed over two gold bangles (2 vori) at Didar Market, belonging to her mother. |
| Subsequent Demands | Multiple rounds of extortion followed, involving earrings, necklaces, rings. |
| Total Gold Taken | 21 vori (approx. 244 grams) valued at Tk 3.15 million (£22,000). |
| Additional Cash Demands | Tk 160,000 (£1,100) handed over in instalments, including Tk 30,000 on 15 April. |
Police Involvement: After repeated demands, the victim contacted the police.
Arrest: Shafayet was arrested from Chawkbazar area on Thursday night.
Charges Filed: He faces charges under the Pornography Control Act and for fraud.
Court Proceedings: Shafayet has been sent to jail following a court appearance on Friday.
Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (South), told Prothom Alo:
“Shafayet began deceiving the girl soon after exchanging photos. We urge everyone to be extremely cautious while sharing personal images. The fewer the images shared, the safer it is.”
This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and digital blackmail in South Asia, particularly involving young people. According to the Bangladesh Police Cyber Crime Unit:
Reports of digital harassment have increased by over 25% in the past two years.
70% of victims are under the age of 25.
Common platforms for such crimes include WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
Avoid sharing personal images, especially with acquaintances met online.
Report blackmail immediately to law enforcement or cybercrime units.
Educate young people about digital safety and the risks of online communication.
What started as a seemingly innocent WhatsApp interaction ended in months of psychological trauma and substantial financial loss for a teenage girl. The swift action of the Chattogram police, however, sends a clear message: digital predators will be tracked and brought to justice.
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