On Monday, 9 March, Senior Special Judge of Dhaka Metropolitan Court, Md. Sabbir Foyez, authorised the freezing of 445 bank accounts as part of an ongoing investigation into cybercrime in Bangladesh. The order followed a formal request submitted by the Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The court bench, represented by assistant Md. Riaz Hossain, confirmed the enforcement of the order.
Investigation and Application
The application to the court was submitted by CID’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Suman Kumar Saha. According to the petition, former City Bank PLC officer Sheikh Md. Wazih Uddin had fallen victim to an online scam, resulting in transactions across five accounts amounting to BDT 51.12 lakh.
Further investigations revealed that SM Junaidul Haque, Omar Hit Hitlu, Mehedi Hasan Talukdar, and 61 other individuals, along with their associated organisations, had collectively maintained 595 bank accounts. Records indicate cumulative deposits of approximately BDT 1,212 crore and withdrawals of around BDT 1,207 crore from these accounts.
Transaction Analysis
Detailed analysis of the financial transactions revealed links to a range of illicit activities, including:
Online fraud and scams
Online gambling and betting
Hundi operations and cross-border currency transfers
Cryptocurrency trading
Customs evasion and money laundering
Given the scale and nature of the transactions, the court deemed the freezing of these accounts an urgent and necessary measure.
Summary of Transactions
| Individual / Organisation | Number of Accounts | Total Deposits (BDT crore) | Total Withdrawals (BDT crore) | Principal Allegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Md. Wazih Uddin | 5 | 0.51 | 0 | Online fraud |
| SM Junaidul Haque & associates | 595 | 1,212 | 1,207 | Gambling, Hundi, Cryptocurrency |
| Other 61 individuals | Included | Included | Included | Online fraud and irregular transactions |
Implications and Significance
The court’s decision has been widely interpreted as a strong signal against cybercrime, online gambling, and financial fraud. By targeting accounts associated with large-scale fraudulent activities, authorities aim to ensure financial transparency and reinforce cyber security across the country.
Overall, the freezing of these 445 accounts represents a significant step in safeguarding Bangladesh’s digital financial infrastructure. Legal experts note that the measure not only mitigates immediate risks but also establishes a precedent for accountability and stringent oversight in the face of emerging online threats.