The Senior Special Judge’s Court of Dhaka Metropolitan recently ordered the freezing of 445 bank accounts linked to 61 individuals and their affiliated organisations amid allegations of involvement in online gambling, digital fraud, and other cybercrimes. The measure aims primarily to prevent ill-gotten funds from being diverted or concealed.
Among the accused is Sheikh Md. Wazih Uddin, a former officer of City Bank. Investigations reveal that he deposited approximately BDT 51.12 lakh across five bank accounts after falling victim to online scams. Further inquiries by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) uncovered that, in total, 61 individuals—including SM Junaidul Haque, Omar Hit Hitlu, and Mehedi Hasan Talukdar—manage 595 bank accounts, either personally or through their business interests.
An analysis of transactions in these accounts revealed deposits totalling BDT 1,212.04 crore and withdrawals of BDT 1,207.06 crore. The CID stated that a substantial portion of these funds is directly connected to online fraud, betting or gaming operations, hawala transfers, digital currency or cryptocurrency dealings, and customs evasion.
The CID emphasised that freezing 445 accounts is a necessary initial step to secure evidence and prevent the misappropriation of funds.
The following table summarises the accounts affected and the associated financial activity:
| Number of Accused | Bank Accounts Frozen | Total Deposits (BDT crore) | Total Withdrawals (BDT crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 445 | 1,212.04 | 1,207.06 |
The court order, issued on Monday, 9 March, followed an application submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Prior to the ruling, Sumon Kumar Saha, Additional Superintendent of Police at the CID’s Cyber Police Centre, petitioned the court to freeze the relevant accounts. Bench Assistant Md. Riaz Hossain confirmed the directive.
Legal experts and investigators have described the decision as a critical step towards curbing criminal activity in the digital financial sector. By restricting access to illicit funds, authorities hope to disrupt the operations of online fraudsters and safeguard the integrity of the banking system.
Officials noted that further investigations are ongoing and may result in additional accounts being frozen or more individuals facing charges as evidence emerges. The move reflects Bangladesh’s broader commitment to strengthening cybercrime enforcement and protecting citizens from online financial exploitation.