Bangladeshi authorities have arrested several Chinese nationals in separate investigations into alleged drug trafficking and cybercrime networks…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Chinese nationals entering Bangladesh as tourists have been linked to several alleged organised crime activities, including international drug trafficking, online fraud and the trafficking of Bangladeshi women, according to local media reports.
Recent operations by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies have uncovered suspected criminal networks allegedly operating with local accomplices. Investigators believe some of the groups have established bases in Dhaka and may be connected to wider transnational operations.
Authorities said suspects have mainly operated from areas including Uttara, Bashundhara and Nikunja. Evidence from separate investigations has also pointed to networks that allegedly move members in and out of Bangladesh using short-term visas.
A major drug case emerged in March, when the Department of Narcotics Control seized 50 grams of ketamine concealed inside a Bluetooth speaker at a courier office in Dhaka, The Dhaka Tribune reported.
The investigation led officers to a flat in Uttara, where three Chinese nationals, Li Bin, Yang Chunhing and Yo Zhi, were arrested.
Authorities said the raid uncovered 6.3 kg of ketamine, chemicals, laboratory and packaging equipment, digital scales, mobile phones and foreign currencies. Investigators described the premises as a makeshift laboratory allegedly used to process the drug.
“During initial interrogation, the accused confessed that they used to collect liquid ketamine, set up a lab inside the flat and process it into powder form. Later, they tried to smuggle it abroad through courier services,” The Dhaka Tribune quoted DNC Deputy Director Mehedi Hasan as saying.
Investigators alleged that orders were placed through the dark web, while drugs were concealed inside electronic equipment for international shipments. Payments were reportedly settled using cryptocurrency, particularly through the TRON network.
Another investigation earlier this month highlighted an alleged network involved in online fraud, illegal voice over internet protocol services and gambling.
Detective Branch police arrested three Chinese nationals and a Bangladeshi woman in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area. The operation reportedly resulted in the seizure of more than 6,000 active SIM cards, 20 GSM gateways, 14 laptops and 16 smartphones.
According to investigators, victims were initially contacted through messages offering employment opportunities, attractive deals or ways to earn additional money. They were then allegedly directed to fraudulent links.
“Various crimes committed by Chinese citizens are coming to light. Several citizens have already been arrested on charges of online fraud. They are getting the courage to commit crimes with the connivance of some domestic individuals. Some more issues have come to light during the investigation. These are being worked on,” DMP DB chief Shafiqul Islam told The Dhaka Tribune.
The investigations have raised broader questions for Bangladeshi authorities over whether the cases involve separate criminal groups or are part of larger transnational networks using the country as an operational base.
Law enforcement agencies are examining alleged links involving drug trafficking, cybercrime, illegal communications operations and human trafficking as investigations into the networks continue.
