Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Chinese Nationals Arrested Over Alleged Organized Crime Networks Bangladesh
Bangladeshi authorities have arrested several Chinese nationals in investigations into alleged organized crimes.
The reported crimes include drug trafficking, online scams, illegal internet phone services, gambling and trafficking women.
In one case, investigators found ketamine and equipment for turning liquid ketamine into powder.
They said the drugs may have been prepared for shipment abroad.
In another case, police found thousands of SIM cards and equipment linked to online fraud.
Investigators said some local people may have helped the suspects.
The alleged networks reportedly used short-term visas and moved members between countries.
Authorities are still trying to determine whether the cases are connected or separate.
Bangladeshi agencies linked Chinese nationals entering as tourists to alleged drug trafficking, online fraud and human trafficking.
A March raid in Dhaka’s Uttara area followed the seizure of 50 grams of ketamine hidden in a Bluetooth speaker.
Authorities arrested three Chinese nationals and reported recovering 6.3 kilograms of ketamine and laboratory equipment.
A separate Bashundhara operation detained three Chinese nationals and a Bangladeshi woman over alleged online fraud, illegal VoIP and gambling.
Investigators are examining whether the cases involve separate groups or broader transnational networks using Bangladesh as a base.
- Who
- Bangladeshi law-enforcement agencies arrested several Chinese nationals and one Bangladeshi woman in separate investigations.
- What
- The investigations concern alleged international drug trafficking, online fraud, illegal VoIP, gambling and human trafficking.
- When
- The main drug discovery occurred in March, while the separate fraud-related arrests were reported earlier this month.
- Where
- The alleged operations were based mainly in Dhaka areas including Uttara, Bashundhara and Nikunja.
- Why
- Authorities say the suspects allegedly used Bangladesh as an operational base and worked with local accomplices.
Investigators’ Allegations
Unresolved Network Scope
Nature of the operations
Investigators’ Allegations
Bangladeshi investigators allege that Chinese nationals operated drug, cybercrime and other criminal schemes, sometimes with local accomplices.
Unresolved Network Scope
The authorities have not established whether the reported cases are connected to one broader network or represent separate groups.
International coordination
Investigators’ Allegations
Investigators say some suspects allegedly used the dark web, cryptocurrency and international courier shipments, indicating cross-border activity.
Unresolved Network Scope
The article reports allegations and ongoing investigations, rather than a final determination of the networks’ full structure or reach.
- Drug seizure
- Authorities reported recovering 6.3 kilograms of ketamine from a flat in Uttara.
- Initial discovery
- The investigation began after 50 grams of ketamine was found hidden inside a Bluetooth speaker at a Dhaka courier office.
- Drug suspects
- Three Chinese nationals—Li Bin, Yang Chunhing and Yo Zhi—were arrested in the Uttara case.
- Fraud operation
- A separate Bashundhara operation arrested three Chinese nationals and one Bangladeshi woman.
- Equipment seized
- Investigators reported seizing more than 6,000 active SIM cards, 20 GSM gateways, 14 laptops and 16 smartphones.
- Alleged methods
- Investigators said suspects used electronic equipment to hide drugs, cryptocurrency payments and dark-web orders.
- Network question
- Authorities are examining whether the cases involve separate groups or wider transnational networks.