Masterminds Behind Fake Global Investment Site Apprehended

The Financial Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has dismantled a sophisticated cyber-fraud ring that utilised "cloned" international websites to swindle investors. In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, police apprehended the alleged mastermind and a primary accomplice in the Jamalpur district. The duo is accused of siphoning millions of Taka by impersonating a legitimate European firm.

The Anatomy of the Deception

The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint at Paltan Police Station after a victim reported a staggering loss of 2.5 million Taka. According to a press release issued by Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan on Thursday, the syndicate meticulously replicated the digital infrastructure of ‘Withlocals’, a genuine Netherlands-based enterprise.

By creating a mirror image of the original website—replicating its design, branding, and interface—the fraudsters lured unsuspecting victims into what appeared to be a high-yield investment portal. Operating primarily through the encrypted messaging app Telegram, the suspects posed as international recruitment agents and investment consultants, promising exorbitant dividends in exchange for capital.

Table: Profile of Suspects and Criminal Assets

Complex Money Laundering Techniques

Digital forensic analysis conducted by the CID revealed a complex web of financial laundering. Hridoy Hasan reportedly controlled approximately 30 separate bank accounts registered under various aliases to obscure the money trail. Furthermore, the syndicate exploited cryptocurrency platforms to move funds across borders.

Investigators discovered that the suspects managed two Binance accounts. Although these were registered in other names, they were directly linked to the suspects' personal bKash and Nagad (Mobile Financial Services) accounts, allowing for the rapid conversion of digital assets into local currency. The use of 15 unique QR codes to manage multiple Telegram accounts suggests a high degree of technical literacy and a deliberate attempt to evade traditional surveillance.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Inquiry

The CID has presented the accused before the court, seeking a 10-day remand to facilitate a deeper interrogation. Detectives aim to trace the full extent of the laundered funds, identify additional victims, and uncover other members of the syndicate who may be operating remotely.

This case highlights a growing trend of "clone-site" fraud, where the credibility of established foreign brands is weaponised against local investors. The CID has advised the public to exercise extreme caution when approached via social media for investment opportunities and to verify the authenticity of URLs before committing funds.