Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested 31 members of a mobile phone-snatching gang from different areas of the city.
The arrestees are - Al Mamun, Md Rakib, Md Jahangir, Md Iqbal, Mokhlesur Rahman, Billal Mia, Md. Billal, Rakib, Md Mainu, Md Johnny, Md Swapan, Salauddin Ahmed, Md Mosharraf, Mehedi Hasan Raju, Md Jewel, Md Jummun, Rakibul Islam, Md Nazrul, Md Parvez, Md Yusuf Bepari, Yusuf Dewan, Rubel Mollah, Rubel Dewan, Md. Zafar, Nasir Uddin Pintu, Anshar Dhali, Dalim Hossain, Halim Sardar, Md Shaheen Sheikh, Mohammad Ali, Md. Sabuj and Md. Abul Hossain.
The arrest drive began on Monday evening. Seven teams of RAB-3 raided city areas including Lalbagh, Siddhirganj, Paltan, Gulistan, Baitul Mokarram, Motijheel, Khilgaon, Hatirjheel and Wari.
During the drive RAB recovered 30 tablet phones, 717 smartphones, 793 button mobiles, 28 laptops (new) and TK 55,647 in cash from the arrestees.
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The gang used to change IMEI numbers of the mobile phones and sold those in different areas of the city, said Ops. Officer of RAB-3 Bina Rani Das.
“According to the primary interrogation, they bought the stolen mobile phones at a low price. Changing the IMEI numbers they sold those at a higher price. Those arrested during the drive are involved in mobile snatching, theft, refurbishing and reselling.”
Legal action would be taken against the arrestees, she said.