The recent rise in criminal activities using cash deposit machines (CDMs) and fake telemedicine services to cheat unsuspecting people require the authorities to better prepare the police and increase vigilance. Bangladesh crime syndicates were recently found cheating people using CDMs and fake telemedicine services, claim law enforcers.
Meanwhile, the detective branch (DB) detected some of the criminal groups, who allegedly identified themselves as police or army officials to call traders to buy electronic products. Once the price is fixed, they ask the traders’ bank account numbers with the CDMs. Then they go to the CDM booth to insert an envelope with no money, which the machine accepts. Instantaneously, a text message is sent to the account holder’s phone number confirming the transaction. On verification bank officials find the envelope empty and accordingly inform the trader. But, by then, the trader had sent the goods ordered for the person sent by the alleged cheat.
Cyber and Special Crime Division of police’s detective branch (DB) disclosed the findings after arresting the two alleged cheats on Wednesday. The arrestees are Jahid Hasan Rony, 32, and his associate Umme Habiba, 28. Beside CDM fraud, the arrestees also pocketed money by selling stolen products online, promising changing public exam results, and ensuring admission in government medical colleges, said Junaed Alam Sharker, additional deputy commissioner of DB. Later police detected them, after a victim filed a case with Tejgaon Police Station in February. The ADC said the duo has stolen huge sums of money through such fraudulent activities. After getting the products, Rony used to sell them again online. Seven separate cases were filed against Rony with Paltan, Rampura, Tejgaon, New Market and Ramna police stations.
The other cheat cheats people by using fake telemedicine services. Such services gained popularity during the pandemic. Detectives claimed to have arrested a couple from Rajshahi on Thursday. Police seized three phones and four SIM cards from the couple. They used to maintain 13 Facebook accounts and three WhatsApp IDs. Police said the couple used to take compromising photos of people during online consultations to blackmail them, said detectives.
The innovative criminal activities require the authorities to better equip the police, increase their efficiency and vigilance to curb the crimes. Criminalising police are having consequences.
