Dhaka, August 24: A Chinese national has been arrested in Bangladesh for allegedly operating an organized crime network linked to international drug trafficking, online fraud, and the trafficking of Bangladeshi women.
Local media reported that recent operations by Bangladeshi agencies uncovered this network, which reportedly collaborates with local partners in the South Asian country.
Investigators revealed that the suspects primarily established their bases in the Uttara, Bashundhara, and Nikunja areas of Dhaka. Evidence from various cases points to an international network that periodically transports its members in and out of Bangladesh using short-term visas.
The Dhaka Tribune reported a significant discovery in March when the Narcotics Control Department seized 50 grams of ketamine hidden inside a Bluetooth speaker at a courier office in Dhaka.
Following the investigation, authorities raided an apartment in Uttara, arresting three Chinese nationals: Li Bin, Yang Chunhing, and Yo Zhi. During the raid, they recovered 6.3 kilograms of ketamine, chemicals, laboratory and packaging equipment, digital scales, phones, and foreign currency from a makeshift lab.
According to Mehdi Hasan, Deputy Director of the DNC, the suspects confessed during initial questioning that they collected liquid ketamine, set up a lab inside the apartment, and processed it into powder for smuggling abroad via courier services.
Investigators stated that the suspects allegedly placed orders through the dark web, concealed drugs within electronic devices for international shipments, and settled payments using cryptocurrency, particularly the TRON network.
Earlier this month, the Detective Branch police arrested three Chinese nationals and a Bangladeshi woman in Bashundhara, revealing another alleged network involved in online fraud, illegal VoIP, and gambling activities.
Reports indicate that over 6,000 active SIM cards, 20 GSM gateways, 14 laptops, and 16 smartphones were seized during this operation. Investigators noted that victims were initially contacted with offers of employment, attractive deals, or additional income, leading them to fraudulent links.
DMP DB Chief Shafiqul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune, “Various crimes committed by Chinese nationals are coming to light. Many citizens have already been arrested for online fraud. Some local accomplices are emboldening them to commit these crimes. Further details have emerged during the investigation, and work is ongoing.”
The rising cases present a significant challenge for law enforcement, determining whether separate criminal groups are executing these crimes or if they are part of a broader international network using Bangladesh as a base for drug, cybercrime, and human trafficking operations.
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