Organized crime and cybercrime investigations in Bangladesh

Authorities in Bangladesh have conducted several operations targeting organized crime syndicates involved in drug trafficking, online fraud, and illegal gambling.

In August, investigations revealed networks of Chinese nationals operating under the guise of tourists to facilitate international drug trafficking, online fraud, and human trafficking. During a major operation, officials seized ketamine and laboratory equipment from a makeshift lab in Dhaka, discovering that suspects were processing liquid ketamine into powder to smuggle abroad via courier services. These groups reportedly used the dark web for orders and the TRON cryptocurrency network for payments.

In early September, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) dismantled an organized syndicate in Khulna operating online betting websites. The group used social media advertisements to lure users, who were required to ‘top up’ accounts using mobile financial services, bank accounts, or cryptocurrency. To evade detection, the syndicate frequently changed agent numbers and bank accounts before converting funds into cryptocurrency via platforms like Binance to launder money abroad.