The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two individuals for allegedly cheating a Bangladeshi expatriate out of money by promising jobs and permanent residency opportunities in Australia, according to a press release issued by the CID Media Wing on Thursday.
The arrested are Rakibul Hasan, 26, of Nilphamari, and Roni Islam, 19, of Rangpur.
CID’s Cyber Police Centre (CPC) conducted a raid on June 17 in Syedpur upazila of Nilphamari and arrested them, seizing six mobile phones and 12 SIM cards used in the crime.
According to the case statement, the victim, an Omani expatriate, was contacted by an acquaintance who introduced a man claiming to be an Australia-based contact offering job placement services.
The victim was later persuaded through mobile phone, Imo, WhatsApp and Messenger communications to send Tk 146,400 in stages for processing, visa and application fees.
CID said the accused used fake identities and social media platforms, including a fraudulent Facebook page, to lure victims with promises of Australian employment and work permits.
They also used foreign numbers and messaging apps to gain trust.
Investigators found that Roni Islam posed as an Australia-based contact, while Rakibul Hasan assisted in receiving and transferring the fraudulently collected money through mobile financial services.
CID said efforts are underway to arrest other members of the gang, and investigations are ongoing.