Fake As-Sunnah Foundation Investment Scam Busted

The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested six alleged members of an organised cyber fraud syndicate accused of deceiving people through fake online investment schemes by misusing the name and identity of As-Sunnah Foundation and Islamic scholar Shaykh Ahmadullah.

Police confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, saying the group had allegedly persuaded members of the public to invest money by promising unusually high financial returns through fraudulent advertisements circulated on social media and counterfeit websites. Investigators claim the suspects exploited the reputation of a well-known charitable organisation to gain the trust of potential victims before misappropriating their money.

The six arrested suspects have been identified as Md Babul, also known as Surjo (24), Md Shahin (21), Md Tushar Mia (25), Md Atikur Rahman, also known as Nirab Rana (20), Md Likhan, also known as Imon (22), and Md Shakil Rana (30).

According to the DB’s Cyber and Special Crime Division (South), the investigation began after a case filed under the Cyber Security Act at Badda Police Station was transferred to the Detective Branch. The Financial Crime Investigation Team subsequently launched an inquiry into the alleged online fraud network.

During the investigation, detectives found evidence suggesting that the syndicate had been operating a sophisticated scam centred on fake investment opportunities. Police allege that the suspects created counterfeit websites and Facebook pages resembling those of As-Sunnah Foundation while also using the name, photographs and public identity of Shaykh Ahmadullah without authorisation. These platforms were then used to publish misleading advertisements promising high returns on investment in an attempt to attract unsuspecting members of the public.

Investigators said the group allegedly copied the appearance of websites and social media pages belonging to various reputable organisations and institutions across the country. By creating internet domains and Facebook pages that closely resembled genuine platforms, they sought to convince users that the advertisements were authentic.

According to the police, many people who encountered these advertisements transferred money to mobile financial service (MFS) accounts specified by the fraudsters, believing they were making legitimate investments. Detectives allege that once the funds had been deposited, the money was fraudulently withdrawn or diverted, leaving victims without any promised returns.

Law enforcement officials say the case highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals, who frequently exploit the names and reputations of trusted public figures, charities and established organisations to lend credibility to fraudulent schemes. Such scams often rely on persuasive online marketing, cloned digital platforms and rapid financial transactions, making them difficult for victims to detect before losses occur.

Using intelligence information and technological surveillance, investigators traced the suspects to several locations across the country.

The first operation was carried out at approximately 11:00am on Tuesday at Kabab Plaza in Zirani Bazar, Ashulia, Gazipur, where detectives arrested Babul and Shahin. Based on information obtained during their interrogation, officers conducted a second raid later that night at around 11:30pm in the Pingna area of Sarishabari Upazila in Jamalpur district. During that operation, Tushar Mia, Atikur Rahman and Likhan were taken into custody.

The investigation continued into the early hours of Wednesday. Acting on further information gathered from the arrested suspects and additional technological analysis, detectives launched another raid at around 5:00am in the Rakhalia Para area of Kaliakair Upazila in Gazipur district, where they arrested Shakil Rana, who police believe was also an active member of the alleged fraud ring.

Police have not disclosed the total amount of money believed to have been defrauded or the number of victims affected by the scheme. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue examining digital evidence, financial transactions and the wider activities of the alleged syndicate.

Officials said further legal proceedings will be taken against the accused in accordance with the Cyber Security Act and other applicable laws. Investigators are also working to identify any additional individuals who may have been involved in operating the fraudulent online platforms or facilitating the movement of funds obtained through the alleged scam.