CID seizes Tk76 lakh in assets acquired through Facebook fraud

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has confiscated immovable properties worth Tk76 lakh that were purchased using money obtained through Facebook-based fraud. 

Acting on an order from the Senior Special Judge of the Metropolitan Sessions Court, assets registered in the name of Monirul Islam have been seized in favor of the state, according to a press release signed by Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan.

According to CID investigations, Monirul Islam used Facebook accounts under various false identities to target elderly individuals from different professions. Posing at times as a doctor, a college principal, or even the Prime Minister’s personal secretary, he would send friend requests and gradually build trust with victims. 

Using a female voice during phone conversations, he gained sympathy by claiming his parents were ill and borrowed money from victims. After receiving the funds, he would switch off his phone and go into hiding.

The investigation revealed that the accused siphoned off large sums of money not only through bank accounts in his own name but also by opening bKash mobile financial service accounts using national identity cards of unknown individuals. 

With the misappropriated funds, he purchased 7.5 decimals of land in Amulia Model Town under Demra Police Station in Dhaka district (deed value Tk 933,000) and a 2,150-square-foot flat in the Barosaik Mouza under Darussalam Police Station (deed value Tk 4.225 million). By court order, these properties—along with other assets—amounting to a total value of Tk76 lakh have been confiscated in favor of the state.

Earlier, CID filed a case as the complainant at Badda Police Station (DMP) under Case No. 17 dated February 8, 2023, under Section 4(2) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, over allegations of embezzling Tk24 lakh through Facebook fraud. Monirul Islam was named as the accused in the case.

When evidence emerged during the investigation that fraud proceeds had been used to purchase land and flats in different areas of Dhaka, CID applied to the court, which subsequently ordered the confiscation of the properties.

The case is currently being investigated by CID’s Financial Crime Unit. CID officials said the investigation is ongoing to uncover the full scope of the crime, identify unknown accomplices, and complete other legal procedures.

CID reiterated that it is working with the highest priority to combat money laundering and financial crimes, and that investigations will continue to bring anyone involved in such offenses under the law.