Dhaka, Aug 20 (V7N)- The Financial Crime Investigation Team of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Cyber and Special Crime (South) Division has arrested two people, including a young woman, on allegations of producing, distributing and selling pornographic content online.
The arrested individuals were identified as social media influencer Sumaiya Sayeed, 25, and Khawaja Saqlain Faruk, 30.
Tariqul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of the DB Cyber and Special Crime (South) Division, disclosed the information on Wednesday (August 19).
According to the DB, a group was allegedly producing explicit videos and images and promoting them through various online platforms, including Instagram and Telegram. The content was subsequently sold through specific Telegram groups and channels in exchange for money.
Investigators said mobile financial services, including bKash and Nagad, were allegedly used to receive payments from customers.
Based on information obtained during the investigation and technical analysis, DB officials identified the locations of the suspects. A team subsequently conducted a raid in the Bhatara police station area and arrested Sumaiya. An iPhone and a OnePlus smartphone were seized from her.
During preliminary interrogation, investigators allegedly obtained information about another associate involved in producing the content. The second suspect, Khawaja Saqlain Faruk, was later arrested from the Badda Link Road area on the same day.
The DB said preliminary interrogation and analysis of the seized mobile phones indicated their alleged involvement in advertising, selling and handling financial transactions related to the content through social media platforms.
Investigators have also found information suggesting that several others may be involved in the alleged network. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest them.
A case has been filed under the relevant sections of the Pornography Control Act, 2012.
The seized mobile phones will undergo forensic and technical examinations. Investigators are also collecting information about the suspects’ social media accounts, financial transactions and other individuals allegedly connected to the operation.
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