The National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) on Wednesday conducted raids at four money exchange offices located in Dhaka’s Dainik Bangla intersection and Gulshan areas.
During the operation, almost 200,000 US and Canadian dollars and Tk38 lakh were recovered. Several individuals, allegedly involved in the Hundi (money transfer) business, were also detained.
According to sources, the intelligence agencies targeted Nihon Money Exchange on the second floor of RS Bhaban at the Dainik Bangla intersection.
From this location alone, 170,000 US dollars (equivalent to Tk1,90,40,000), 30,000 Canadian dollars (equivalent to Tk26,55,000), and some other foreign currencies were seized.
During the operation, Mirajul Islam, a Hundi courier, was apprehended while attempting to deposit Tk38,18,000 at the money exchange on behalf of its owner, Shahid.
The National Security Intelligence officials found in their investigations that Shahid had been involved in the Hundi business. Furthermore, they also identified Gopal, a resident of Malaysia, as the primary source of these funds.
Investigations revealed that an individual named Montu has established a robust network that supplies foreign currency to all money exchanges in the Motijheel and Paltan areas.
Omar Faruk, a member of Montu's circle, was caught while supplying funds, including dollars, to the Nihon Money Exchange, the officials said.
Through interrogation the intelligence agents learned that Montu's residence served as a daily supply point for foreign currency at various money exchanges.
At the end of each day's transactions, the funds and dollars are sent to Montu's residence in Naya Paltan, they added.
The NSI and BFIU also conducted raids on the Sub Money Exchange and Lords Money Exchange located in Navana Tower, Gulshan-1, and the Metro Money Exchange in Landmark Tower, Gulshan-2.
At Lords Money Exchange, irregularities were found in the selling of dollars at rates above the prescribed price and unregulated dollar transactions.
The owners were subsequently warned by the NSI and BFIU officials to adhere to regulations in the future.
During the operation, NSI and BFIU officials found Shihab, Miraj, Liton, Tushar, Zillur, Mintu and Rajib behind Navana Tower buying and selling foreign currencies in bags.
At Metro Money Exchange, NSI and BFIU officials found torn notes worth Tk15-Tk16 lakh and irregularities in the sale of dollars at inflated prices.