After months of investigation, law enforcement agencies on Wednesday arrested alleged Chittagong crime figure Mobarak Hossain Imon, widely known as David Imon, in Jessore following what police described as an intelligence-led operation.
Jessore Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Mirajul Islam confirmed the arrest to Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday afternoon.
Police allege that Imon was a key figure in an extortion network targeting businesses across Chittagong, demanding a one-time payment of Tk2 crore along with Tk10 lakh every month. Authorities say his arrest followed months of coordinated efforts by intelligence and law enforcement agencies across the country.
Earlier this month, a video allegedly linked to Imon's extortion demands went viral on social media. Several audio and video recordings containing alleged death threats and extortion demands also circulated widely online, triggering public concern and intensifying pressure on law enforcement agencies to arrest him.
A team from the Chittagong District Police arrested Imon along with five associates, all of whom police allege are armed shooters. Investigators say Imon has gained notoriety over the past two years in connection with multiple extortion, intimidation and violent crime cases.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday evening, Chittagong District Police Superintendent Masud Alam said Imon is an accused in at least 15 criminal cases and is believed to be a close associate of fugitive crime figure Sajjad Ali, also known as Boro Sajjad, who police say is currently living abroad.
"Imon is being questioned, and we expect to recover important evidence. He is accused in several cases involving extortion, murder and other serious crimes. Legal proceedings will proceed in accordance with the law," Masud Alam said.
He added that police would brief the media on the case at a press conference scheduled for Thursday morning.
According to police, Boro Sajjad's criminal network consists of around 50 armed associates and shooters. Investigators allege that Imon and another associate, Mohammad Raihan, regularly collected extortion on Sajjad's behalf while Sajjad directed operations from abroad.
Who is David Imon?
Mobarak Hossain Imon is the son of Md Musa of Kanchannagar in Fatikchhari upazila of Chittagong.
According to police records, he is an accused in at least 15 criminal cases, including the March 30, 2025 Bakalia double murder case and the May 23, 2025 murder of alleged criminal Dhakaiya Akbar near Patenga Sea Beach.
Police claim Imon had access to between 15 and 20 firearms and was skilled in using weapons. Investigators also allege that he arranged armed criminals and motorcycles used in the Bakalia double murder.
Senior police officials say that after Sajjad Hossain, also known as Chhoto Sajjad, was imprisoned, leadership of the criminal network in Chittagong shifted to Imon and Mohammad Raihan.
High-profile allegations
Investigators say an audio recording that went viral on social media on January 26 captured Imon allegedly threatening a man named Aziz Uddin.
"Even if you have 50,000 police guarding you, I'll come to your house and kill you. Just as I shot your brother in front of 10,000 people."
On May 10, Imon allegedly threatened journalist Biplob Dey Partha, demanding Tk50 lakh and warning that he would be shot within 24 hours if the money was not paid. The journalist later filed a General Diary (GD) with Kotwali Police Station.
Police also allege that on July 13, Imon led an attack on the office of internet service provider Digital Dot Net (DDN) on the Chandanpura-Bakalia Access Road in Chittagong. Investigators say that after failing to secure an extortion payment of Tk2 crore, the attackers vandalized the office and looted Tk35 lakh. Video footage of the attack later spread widely on social media.
According to investigators, two days before the attack Imon called businessman Adil Bin Mamun from a foreign phone number and allegedly said:
"If you want to do business, you must pay Tk2 crore upfront and Tk10 lakh every month. From now on, we will control the business."
Relief among residents
Imon's arrest has been welcomed by many residents and business owners in Chittagong, several of whom said they hoped it would help curb extortion and organized crime in the city.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Chittagong resident Shamsuddin Ilias said the viral videos had created widespread panic among residents. He said many other dangerous criminals remain active and urged authorities to bring not only the criminals but also their patrons to justice in order to dismantle organized criminal networks.
"I had heard many times that he would be arrested. Finally, it has happened, and that itself is a relief," he said.
Businessman Adil Bin Mamun, who claims to be one of the victims of the alleged extortion, said business owners had been living in constant fear because of Imon's activities.
"We have been living in fear because of these threats. I hope this arrest allows us to run our businesses safely again and sends a strong message to others involved in extortion," he said.