CID arrests fraudster impersonating Masjid-e-Nabawi imam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a man accused of defrauding people by impersonating an imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah al Munawara. 

The arrested individual, identified as Md Sabuj, 32, reportedly embezzled Tk 5,50,000 from a victim by exploiting her family issues.

CID Special Police Superintendent (Media), Azad Rahman, provided this information on Thursday (December 5).

According to the CID, Sabuj targeted retired government official Arifa Khatun (pseudonym), who was dealing with personal problems, including strained relations with her daughter-in-law. 

Arifa came across an advertisement on Facebook and contacted Sabuj, who claimed to be a “dervish” and later introduced himself as an imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi in Saudi Arabia.

Gaining her trust, Sabuj convinced her that resolving her issues required financial contributions, emphasising secrecy and threatening that her family might face harm if she did not comply. 

Over time, the victim transferred Tk 5,50,000 to Sabuj via mobile financial services.

Upon realising she had been duped, Arifa lodged a complaint with Kalabagan Police Station on November 19.

Acting on the complaint, the CID’s Cyber Police Center tracked Sabuj to the Mulaipattan area of Borhanuddin in Bhola. He was apprehended during a raid conducted on Wednesday (December 4).

During preliminary questioning, Sabuj admitted to the crime and revealed that he was part of a group of youths from his locality who used social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Imo to pose as spiritual figures.

The CID is now working to identify and apprehend the rest of the gang members involved in the fraudulent activities.