Photo: Messenger
Boosters and radio transmitters are being exploited by criminals to disrupt mobile networks. These devices can effectively jam mobile signals in remote areas, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to detect their activities. Organised groups are clandestinely importing these systems and selling them to criminals at exorbitant prices, exacerbating the issue.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has apprehended a gang consisting of 5 members engaged in importing illegal network boosters and radio transmitters. Commander of RAB 3, Lt. Col. Arif Mohiuddin, stated, "We have arrested a total of 5 members, including Md. Jahangir Alam, who is the mastermind behind the organised network involved in the illicit sale of these devices across various areas of the capital." He further mentioned that a substantial quantity of network boosters and radio transmitters was seized from the suspects during the operation.
He emphasised that radio transmitters and network boosters possess the capability to disrupt the performance of 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks significantly. Consequently, criminals are able to procure these illicit devices at premium prices, enabling them to perpetrate criminal activities from remote locations. By utilising these devices, criminals can commit crimes while concealing their identities and evading surveillance by law enforcement agencies.
This senior official of RAB emphasised that purchasing and selling such devices and components without approval from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) constitutes a punishable offense under the laws of Bangladesh. The arrested individuals have been found to be in violation of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act by unlawfully stockpiling, supplying, purchasing, and selling components, including cables, of network boosters and radio transmitters for a period of five years.
Quoting the interrogation of the accused, he revealed that these components were introduced into the Bangladesh market under the guise of importing 4G routers. Moreover, they utilised various smuggling routes to bring in these parts. Subsequently, they utilised platforms like WhatsApp or social media to vend these components to different criminal groups at inflated prices. This cycle has facilitated the sale of thousands of radio transmitters and network boosters over the past five years.
Meanwhile, RAB revealed that Jahangir, one of the key suspects in this criminal network, along with his associates, had been unlawfully vending illegal network boosters and radio transmitters in the Newmarket area of the capital for an extended period without authorisation. Acting on intelligence reports, a raiding team comprising RAB-3 personnel and representatives from BTRC conducted operations in the vicinity under the jurisdiction of the New Market police station in the capital. During the raid, Md Faisal Hossain (27), Ashiq Sheikh (20), Jahangir Alam (30), who is identified as the ringleader of the illicit network booster and radio transmitter trading network, were apprehended, along with Shariful (24) and Russell (26). The operation resulted in the seizure of 12 network boosters, 16 booster outdoor antennas, 3 radio transmitters, 12 booster indoor antennas, 3 booster cables, 18 converters, 15 chargers, 10 mobile phones, 20 SIM cards, 3 watches, 1 driving license, 2 national identity cards (NID), 4 ATM cards, and a sum of cash.
RAB further disclosed that the arrested individuals had been engaging in the illicit sale of network boosters and radio transmitters for the past five years. The modus operandi involved unlawfully purchasing these items from a private company located in the Newmarket area of the capital and subsequently distributing them across various regions of the country, including the capital itself. Additionally, they were involved in the unauthorised sale of components of network boosters and radio transmitters to various individuals at inflated prices via WhatsApp and Facebook pages.
RAB officials assert that possessing such devices poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. When criminals utilise these devices to disrupt networks, it becomes nearly impossible to trace the source of the crime. Furthermore, even if militant or terrorist groups are stationed in remote mountainous or secluded areas for training or other activities, they can evade detection.
Officials are actively seeking information regarding the number of individuals to whom the group has sold these devices. Additionally, efforts are underway to ascertain the extent of involvement of other groups in the illegal sale of these devices.
Messenger/Disha
