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DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Detective Branch (DB) of Police has arrested a man along with IMEI number changing software, two laptops, stolen mobile phones, equipment and cash during a raid in the capital's Paltan area.

The arrestee Md. Asaduzzaman (38) was detained following a raid conducted in Gulistan area under Paltan Police Station around 7:10 pm on Saturday.

According to a police press release, a joint team of DB-Cyber and Special Crime (South) Division received confidential information that a group was collecting stolen mobile phones from a shop near Gulistan Shopping Complex Underground Market. 

The phones were allegedly being sold after changing their IMEI numbers to conceal their original identity.

Based on the information, DB police conducted a raid and arrested Asaduzzaman on the spot. 

During the operation, police recovered IMEI number changing software, two laptops, various equipment, 16 mobile phones and cash amounting to Tk 5,590 from his possession. 

The estimated market value of the recovered stolen mobile phones and equipment is around Tk 4 lakh.

Police said a case has been filed against the arrested individual with Paltan Model Police Station under relevant sections of the law.

During preliminary interrogation, Asaduzzaman admitted that he and his absconding associate, Rajan Sheikh, were the masterminds behind the IMEI-changing racket. 

Their gang reportedly consists of 10 to 12 members who used to steal mobile phones through theft, robbery and street snatching before handing them over to the masterminds. 

The phones were then modified by changing their IMEI numbers and sold secretly in Dhaka and nearby areas.

Police said efforts are underway to arrest other members of the gang, and legal proceedings against the arrested accused are in progress.