Gmail hack, money transfer from bank account to bKash/cash, 2 arrested by Chittagong DB.

Gmail hack, money transfer from bank account to bKash/cash, 2 arrested by Chittagong DB.

MD Babul Bangladesh representive

When you open your mobile, you will see tempting online gambling advertisements. Youngsters are losing everything they have by falling for the lure of false offers. In this case, many young people are not sitting still and downloading the app on their mobile phones, recharging a certain amount of money there and gambling online. This issue is not new. Hundreds of boys from low-income families are addicted to gambling and are disobeying their parents and losing a lot of money. And the Bangladesh Intelligence Department is working in the field to prevent such online cybercrimes and catch the real criminals.

Bangladesh’s Chittagong District Intelligence Department was on the lookout for just such a criminal. The Chittagong District Intelligence Department finally succeeded in this mission on the field.
On the afternoon of April 7, while he was in the shop, the mobile phone used by Mohammad Jamal Uddin, a mobile financial service (MFS) businessman from the Chadaha area of Satkania Upazila, suddenly started behaving abnormally and turned off at one point. Later, when he turned on the mobile, he found that his bKash, Nagad and various banking apps had disappeared from the mobile.

Before he knew it, about seven and a half lakh taka was transferred from his various UCB Bank accounts to various bank accounts and bKash/Nagad numbers. Realizing the matter, he contacted the concerned bank authorities and realized that he had become a victim of an organized cyber fraud ring.

When a case was registered at Satkania Police Station in this incident, the Chittagong District Intelligence Department (DB) started an investigation under the direction of the Superintendent of Police. Based on digital analysis, information technology support and intelligence information, the involvement of the mastermind of the fraud ring, Md. Iqbal, and other members was revealed.

Later, raids were conducted at various locations and two members of the gang, including the head of the gang, Md. Iqbal, were arrested. During this time, important evidence including 1 laptop, 4 mobile phones, 18 bKash registered SIMs, 8 bank check books, 3 bank cards, etc. were recovered from them.

Initial investigation revealed that the gang first took control of the victims’ Gmail and other online accounts. Then, they accessed the banking and Mobile Financial Service (MFS) accounts and transferred money to various platforms including bKash, Nagad. The embezzled money was hidden through multiple transfers and later used for online gambling, cattle trading and other illegal activities.

The gang has been active in different parts of the country for a long time. There are multiple cases against the head of the gang, Iqbal, in Feni and Noakhali districts for similar crimes. There is also a fraud case against his associate Rubel. The operation is ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang.

The interrogation further revealed that the fraudsters used to collect mobile banking accounts and SIMs from ordinary people in different parts of the country for 1,000-2,000 taka and use them in illegal transactions. Later, they would cash out the money from different places and invest in different businesses.

The district police are giving clear instructions to protect themselves from cyber fraud.

* Use separate and strong passwords for Gmail, social media, banking and MFS accounts.
* Check regularly whether Mail Forwarding is enabled.
* Keep Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled.
* Do not share OTP, PIN, CVV, password or verification code with anyone.
* Refrain from using unknown links, e-mails, SMS and remote access apps (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, RustDesk etc.).
* Do not store passwords, banking information or personal confidential information on mobile.
* Do not open SIM, bKash, Nagad or bank accounts in your name at the request of a stranger.
* If your mobile is lost, immediately inform the relevant bank and MFS authorities.
* If you see suspicious logins or transactions, immediately change your password and inform the authorities.
* Regularly monitor bank and mobile banking accounts.

Chittagong District Police is urging financial institutions to make multi-dimensional security measures including face verification, fingerprint authentication, device verification more effective to strengthen customer security.

Public awareness is the biggest tool in preventing digital fraud. If you are a victim of any cyber crime or online fraud, you are requested to contact the nearest police station immediately. Chittagong District Police says that they are always working on the ground to catch online cyber crime criminals and public safety.