DHAKA, May 2, 2026 (BSS) - The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has arrested a member of an organised fraud ring that allegedly embezzled around Tk 60 lakh by luring victims with fake job offers in Australia through Facebook advertisements.

The case was filed with the Sarail Police Station on March 15 last, following a complaint by victim Mohammad Samal. 

PBI Brahmanbaria took over the investigation, led by Sub-Inspector Shahadat Hossain.

Acting on intelligence and digital evidence, PBI arrested suspect Swapan Kumar Ray early on May 1, from the Bhadughar Gasfield area under Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station.

A bKash agent SIM registered under another person's name was seized from his possession. 

He later gave a confessional statement before the court.

Investigators found that the accused, owner of a pharmacy in Nilphamari's Jaldhaka Upazila's Diyabari Bazaar, was an active member of the scam network. 

The group collected money from victims on the pretext of visa processing and overseas employment. 

Using identities of acquaintances, including a local businessman and a college teacher, they opened three bKash merchant accounts and received payments fraudulently.

Preliminary findings show that Tk 2,932,141 was transacted through these accounts and later withdrawn with the help of an absconding associate, identified as DSO Javedul Islam.

PBI said drives are ongoing to arrest other members of the ring, and the investigation continues.