DHAKA, April 25, 2026 (BSS) - Police have arrested 10 members of an organized fraud ring involved in creating fake advertisements using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology to sell illegal sexual stimulant drugs by impersonating prominent personalities.

The arrested individuals are Md. Sarafat Hossain, 21, Safayet Hossain Shuvo, 21, Touki Tajwar Ilham, 19, Takibul Hasan, 21, Abdullah Al Fahim, 22, Minhajur Rahman Shahed, 19, Shahaman Toufik, 21, Imon Hossain Bijoy, 21, Amid Hasan, 21, and Md. Imran, 24.

During the drive, law enforcement recovered 11 laptops, 47 smartphones, two pen drives, 21 SIM cards, and a large quantity of illegal sexual stimulant drugs from the suspects.

Deputy Commissioner of Motijheel division Mohammad Harun Al Rashid revealed the information today in a press briefing at Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) media centre on Bailey Road here. 

According to police, nine of the accused were arrested from Shershah Colony area under Bayezid Bostami Police Station in Chattogram around 11:05pm on Thursday night. The remaining suspect, Imran, was arrested on Friday night from Avenue-1, Chandrima Model Town under Mohammadpur Police Station in Dhaka.

The case originated on February 15, 2025, when a popular Islamic speaker Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari first came across fake videos using his identity. 

He later issued a warning on his verified Facebook page. 

Subsequently, a General Diary (GD) was filed at Paltan Model Police Station on February 25, 2026.

Acting on a complaint filed by one Billal Hossain, 57, on behalf of the victim, police registered a case (No. 19, GR No. 107/26, dated April 23, 2026) under sections 22 and 27 of the Cyber Security Act 2026 against multiple Facebook pages, accounts, and websites.

Police said the syndicate had been producing and circulating fake promotional videos on social media platforms, falsely portraying Dr. Azhari as endorsing various herbal and sexual enhancement products. 

These videos were created using AI tools to replicate his voice, face, and mannerisms, misleading the public.

Authorities also revealed that the group financially benefited by deceiving people and, in the process, damaged the personal, family, and professional reputation of the individuals they impersonated.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused admitted their involvement in producing fake advertisements using the identities of Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari, Dr. Tasnim Zara, and Dr. Jahangir Kabir, among others, to promote and sell such products.

Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently underway.