Detectives of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested a member of a gang involved in altering mobile phone IMEI numbers in the capital. The arrested man has been identified as Md Asaduzzaman, 38, who, according to police, is one of the ringleaders of the syndicate along with an accomplice.
He was arrested around 7:10 pm on Saturday during a raid in the Gulistan area. The DMP disclosed the information in a press release on Sunday.
Acting on a tip-off, police learned that stolen mobile phones were being collected from a shop near the underground market gate of Gulistan Shopping Complex under Paltan police station. The IMEI numbers of the devices were allegedly altered before the phones were sold.
During the raid, detectives recovered IMEI-altering software, two laptops, necessary equipment, 16 mobile phones, and Tk 5,590 in cash from Asaduzzaman’s possession. The estimated market value of the seized items is around Tk 4 lakh.
Police said preliminary interrogation revealed that Asaduzzaman and his absconding associate, Rajan Sheikh, led the gang, which consists of 10 to 12 members. The members allegedly collected stolen phones through theft and snatching from different parts of the capital, altered the IMEI numbers, and sold the devices secretly in Dhaka and nearby areas.
A case has been filed against the arrested suspect with Paltan Model Police Station.
