Police Discover Fake iPhone Factory in Dhaka, China Citizens Arrested

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have uncovered a clandestine factory producing counterfeit iPhones, reportedly operated under the leadership of Chinese nationals. The investigation revealed that the syndicate had been importing iPhone components illegally and assembling them into fake devices, which were then sold in the local market. Authorities believe this deceptive operation had been ongoing for approximately eighteen months.

On Wednesday, 7 January, the Detective Branch (DB) conducted simultaneous raids in Uttara and Nikunja, resulting in the arrest of three individuals associated with the operation. During the raids, police seized 363 mobile phones of various models, alongside numerous iPhone components and assembly machinery.

Deputy Police Commissioner of Mirpur Division, Mahmud Mahmud Sohel, disclosed the details during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Thursday, 8 January. He explained that the operation was carried out based on confidential intelligence, targeting specific locations in Uttara Sector 17 and Nikunja-1, which led to the arrests.

The following table summarises the findings from the raids:

Deputy Commissioner Sohel stated that preliminary investigations indicate the syndicate imported iPhone parts separately and assembled them at a secret lab in Dhaka. The counterfeit devices were then marketed to appear identical to genuine iPhones.

He further noted that over the past eighteen months, a significant number of these fake iPhones had likely entered the market. While the investigation has identified potential involvement of local collaborators, authorities have withheld their names pending further inquiry.

The DB has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing mobile phones. “Many consumers fall victim to fraud by buying ‘original iPhones’ at suspiciously low prices,” Sohel warned. “We strongly advise purchasing devices only from authorised showrooms or trusted sources.”

Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently underway, and the police have vowed to continue cracking down on such illicit operations to protect consumers and curb the spread of counterfeit electronics in Dhaka.