CID arrests three over allegedly collecting, selling citizens’ sensitive information

The arrests are made after a seven-month investigation

Police have arrested three people, including a university student and web developer, over allegations of collecting and selling citizens’ national ID and mobile financial services account information.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) disclosed the arrests in a statement on Thursday after a nearly seven-month investigation.

One of those arrested, 22-year-old Arman Hossain, is a computer science and engineering student and an app developer, according to the statement.

CID did not disclose the identities of the two others arrested alongside him.

Investigators said they first detected a Facebook account on Oct 9 that was advertising citizens’ full NID data, SMS records, information on mobile financial services accounts, bank account details and case-related records in exchange for money.

During the investigation, police arrested Siam Hawlader, 23, from Lakshmipur on the night of Oct 13.

CID said officers recovered a smartphone from Siam, which contained an Android app named “Shob Ekhane”, or Everything Is Here.

During preliminary questioning, he admitted to collecting and selling sensitive information through the app and a website.

A day after Siam’s arrest, CID Sub-Inspector Mehedi Hasan filed a case under the Cyber Security Act with Paltan Police.

Based on information provided by Siam, police arrested Al Amin, 23, in Khulna on Oct 28, and later CID arrested Arman on Tuesday.

Police said a mobile phone, SIM cards and a laptop were seized during the operation.