Chattogram: Chattogram District Police have arrested four members of an organized fraud ring for allegedly issuing 'fake' police clearance certificates to citizens going abroad by creating a bogus website and QR code with forged signatures of government officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the arrestees are Md. Ashraf Ali Khan, 36, Md. Nishan, 36, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, 48, and Md. Abdur Rahman, 46. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md. Russell confirmed the matter today. He stated that the arrests were made in separate raids conducted in different areas of Banshkhali and Chattogram city last night by a joint team of the District Special Branch (DSB) and District Detective Branch (DB).
Police reported that the gang demanded Tk 1.20 lakh from a person who needed a police clearance certificate urgently. They then forged the signatures of government officials and prepared a fake certificate resembling an authentic one. To enhance the appearance of authenticity, the gang created a bogus QR code and website modeled after the police clearance system. The victim, believing the certificate to be genuine, submitted it to the concerned travel agency.
However, the travel agency detected the fraud during verification and the victim filed a written complaint with the Chattogram Superintendent of Police (SP). Following this, the District DB launched an investigation on the SP's instructions. The investigation involved questioning those concerned and analyzing their communications, financial transactions, and technical data, leading to the identification of the gang members.
Subsequently, police conducted raids in various areas of Banshkhali and Chattogram city, arresting four individuals allegedly involved in the forgery operation. ASP Md. Russell stated that legal action is being taken against those involved in the forgery of government documents, misuse of technology, and fraud. He added that any other individuals found to be associated with the gang would also be identified and brought to justice.