The Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested five members of an online gambling syndicate during a raid in Atgharia upazila, Pabna, on Tuesday night (May 19). The arrests took place around 8:30 pm at Devottar Bazar.
The arrestees were identified as Shariful Islam Sagar (22), Shanto Hossain (25), Sohanur Rahman Shakib (22), Asadul Islam (32), and Shariful Islam (36). All are residents of various neighborhoods within Atgharia upazila.
Pabna Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rezinur Rahman stated that the operation was led by DB Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rashidul Islam, acting on a tip-off and under the direction of Superintendent of Police Md. Sufi Ullah. When the DB team raided the market area, the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended.
Police seized six smartphones from the group. The devices contained active IDs for various betting websites and apps, along with extensive financial records from mobile banking platforms used to process illegal transactions.
During initial interrogations, the suspects confessed to running an organized gambling operation. They admitted to using digital platforms to target local youth, facilitate the opening of betting accounts, and manage illicit fund transfers.
Authorities are currently filing a case against the arrestees under the Cyber Security Act, 2026. Police confirmed that further operations are underway to identify and apprehend other members involved in the syndicate.
