Fake WhatsApp Scam Using Officials’ Identities Busted

A man has been arrested for allegedly operating fake WhatsApp accounts in the names of senior government officials and other prominent individuals in an attempt to exert influence, make unofficial recommendations, and obtain unlawful benefits, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Speaking at a press briefing, RAB officials said the suspect, identified as Atiar Darji, was arrested during a late-night operation conducted in the Azimnagar area of Bhanga Upazila in Faridpur. The raid was carried out at approximately 12:45 am on Friday night by a team from the RAB Faridpur Camp, following intelligence gathering and technology-assisted surveillance.

According to the first information report (FIR), Atiar is accused of creating and operating fraudulent WhatsApp accounts by using the names and identities of various senior government officials and other well-known public figures. Investigators allege that he used these fake profiles to approach individuals while posing as influential officials, attempting to secure favours, exert pressure in different matters, and obtain illegal advantages through deception.

The alleged activities came to the attention of the relevant authorities after concerns were raised about suspicious communications originating from mobile numbers claiming to belong to senior officials. Subsequent verification established that the mobile numbers and WhatsApp accounts in question had no connection whatsoever with the individuals whose identities had been misused.

Following the complaint, a case was filed with Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka. As part of the investigation, RAB-10 intensified intelligence monitoring and employed information technology to trace the suspect’s movements and identify his location. The operation ultimately led to his arrest in Faridpur.

During the raid, law enforcement officers recovered a privately owned microbus, seven mobile phones, five automated teller machine (ATM) cards issued by different banks, and cash amounting to Tk 8,900. Investigators are expected to examine the seized mobile phones and other items as part of the ongoing inquiry to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and identify whether any additional individuals were involved.

Officials believe that impersonating government authorities through messaging platforms can mislead members of the public, undermine confidence in public institutions, and facilitate financial or administrative fraud. Cases involving the misuse of the identities of senior officials are therefore treated with particular seriousness, especially when digital communication platforms are used to deceive victims.

RAB said the arrested suspect has been handed over to the relevant police station for further legal proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to examine the digital evidence collected during the operation to establish the full scope of the alleged offences.