Chattogram, Bangladesh — September 12, 2026: Police in Chattogram have detained 63 foreign nationals following a raid on an eight-storey residential building in the city’s Khulshi area, as investigators examine suspected links to an organised online fraud operation.

The operation was carried out by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Unit in cooperation with Khulshi police. According to police, the group was operating from a rented building in the Krishnachura Residential Area.

Foreign nationals from five countries

Police said the detainees include nationals from Laos, Pakistan, China, Nepal and Vietnam. Local reports differ slightly on the exact nationality breakdown, but authorities have confirmed that people from several countries were among those detained.

At least 20 women were reportedly among the detainees, while a child was also found with the group, according to local reporting.

Large quantity of electronic equipment recovered

Investigators seized a substantial amount of electronic equipment during the raid. Police reported recovering more than 130 mobile phones and around 57 laptops, along with other digital devices and equipment.

Authorities are examining the seized devices to determine how they were being used and whether they contain evidence connected to alleged fraudulent activities.

Police have said the exact nature and scale of the suspected operation has not yet been established. Investigators are particularly interested in determining whether the group was involved in online marketing scams, advance-payment schemes, unauthorised financial transactions, online gambling or other forms of digital fraud.

Passports not found

One of the major questions emerging from the investigation concerns the detainees’ travel documents.

Police said they did not find passports with any of the 63 foreign nationals during the raid. Investigators believe the documents may have been held by another individual who was involved in arranging the rental of the building.

Authorities are now trying to determine when and how each person entered Bangladesh and what type of visa or immigration documents were used.

Building rented for group accommodation

According to police, the entire building had been rented and different sections were being used by people from different nationalities.

Investigators are also examining the possible involvement of local and foreign individuals who may have helped arrange accommodation or other logistical support.

Police have not yet publicly established the full organisational structure behind the suspected operation.

Digital evidence to undergo forensic examination

The Counter Terrorism Unit is expected to conduct forensic examinations of the seized phones, laptops and other equipment. Investigators hope the digital evidence will help establish the activities taking place inside the building and identify other people who may have been connected to the suspected network.

Authorities are also examining whether the Chattogram case has any connection with other recent investigations involving foreign nationals accused of online fraud or gambling elsewhere in Bangladesh.

Investigation remains ongoing

Police have initiated legal proceedings under Bangladesh’s cybercrime-related legislation against members of the group. However, authorities have stressed that the investigation is still at an early stage.

The precise nature of the alleged fraud, the role of individual detainees and the identity of any organisers or facilitators will depend on further investigation and forensic analysis.

The case highlights the growing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with organised digital fraud networks that can operate across national borders while using rented properties and electronic communication systems.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the matter, and further details are expected to emerge as the examination of the seized devices progresses.