DHAKA, Aug 13, 2026 (BSS) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested five members of an organised syndicate allegedly involved in operating online betting and gambling websites in Narsingdi.

A special team of the Cyber Investigation and Operations unit under CID's Cyber Police Centre conducted raids in different areas of Narsingdi from the evening of August 11 to August 12 and arrested the five, according to a press release.

The arrestees were identified as Rafiqul Islam, 46; Md Sohel, 37, Md Shafiqul Islam, 27, Md Rubel Mollaya, 33, and Ayub Hossain Ripon, 48.

Police seized nine mobile phones, 20 SIM cards and cheque books of different banks from their possession.

According to CID, the syndicate has been operating various online betting and gambling platforms, offering betting on international cricket, football and other sporting events. 

The platforms allegedly accept deposits through bKash, Nagad, Rocket, Upay, bank accounts and cryptocurrency.

Investigators found that the syndicate recruited agents in different parts of the country to collect mobile financial service (MFS) numbers and bank accounts, which were later supplied to betting operators through communication platforms including Telegram. 

The money collected through these accounts was allegedly consolidated, transferred through bank accounts and converted into cryptocurrency before being sent abroad.

CID said the arrestees have provided preliminary information about their involvement with the betting network. 

Forensic and technical analysis of the seized devices, SIM cards and banking documents is underway to identify other members, trace financial transactions and determine the possible flow of funds.

A case was filed with Paltan Model Police Station under Sections 20(2), 21(2), 24(2) and 27(2) of the Cyber Security Act 2026. 

Cyber Investigation and Operations unit of the CID is conducting further investigation.

The CID urged people to refrain from online gambling and betting and requested the public to inform law enforcement agencies about any such illegal activities.