Fraud on Facebook disguised as a woman’s voice: Monirul swindles 7.6 million taka

In a striking case of online deception, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized assets worth over 7.6 million taka from Monirul Islam, who allegedly defrauded elderly Facebook users through a sophisticated scam.

According to a press release issued by CID’s Special Superintendent of Police (Media), Jasim Uddin Khan, the seizure follows an order from the Senior Special Judge of the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court. The confiscated assets, amounting to Tk 76,32,000, have been placed under the custody of the state.

CID investigations reveal that Monirul Islam targeted elderly individuals on Facebook, sending friend requests under false identities. To gain the trust of his victims, he assumed various high-profile roles, including a doctor, a college principal, and at times, a personal assistant to the Prime Minister.

Exploiting this fabricated credibility, Monirul reportedly impersonated women’s voices over the phone, claiming illness of parents to elicit sympathy and financial assistance. Once he secured the money, he would abruptly cut off contact and vanish.

Monirul did not only use his own bank accounts but also manipulated the identities of others to open mobile banking accounts, through which he siphoned off substantial sums. The ill-gotten funds were then invested in real estate in Dhaka. Among the acquisitions were a 7.5% plot in Amulia Model Town, Demra, valued at Tk 9,33,000, and a 2,150-square-foot flat in Darussalam, registered at Tk 42,25,000.

The case against Monirul Islam was formally filed on 8 February 2023 at Badda Police Station under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Case No. 17), specifically citing the embezzlement of Tk 24,74,000 through Facebook-based fraud. Following investigations that revealed evidence of assets purchased with illicit funds, the court authorised the CID to seize Monirul’s properties.

The CID’s Financial Crime Unit continues to probe the case, focusing on tracing further illegal transactions and identifying potential accomplices. Authorities have warned the public to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited online contacts, particularly from unfamiliar social media profiles.

Seized Assets Summary:

This case underscores the growing sophistication of online scams targeting vulnerable populations and highlights the proactive role of law enforcement in curbing financial cybercrime in Bangladesh.