Tech Portal Targeted: Threats and Bribe Attempt Over Investigative Report on Sumash Technologies
A Bangladeshi technology news portal, TechZoom.tv, has reportedly received threatening emails and a lucrative bribe offer of BDT 400,000 following the publication of an investigative report exposing irregularities linked to the ‘Sumashtech’ syndicate (Sumash Technologies). The emails also included warnings that the portal’s Facebook page would be permanently deleted if the report was not removed.
Senior reporter Mirajul Islam Jibon of TechZoom.tv said that the report focused on Sumashtech’s alleged hawala dealings, money laundering, and illegal importation of mobile phones that could endanger local manufacturing units. Shortly after the report’s publication, an anonymous sender contacted the portal via email demanding its removal and threatened cyberattacks on their Facebook page.
Jibon noted that after initial threats failed, the sender attempted a different approach by offering a large sum of money in exchange for deleting the post. Despite repeated requests from the portal to justify the removal, the sender refused any legitimate discussion and insisted on providing a bank account for the transaction. The latest email offered BDT 400,000 and warned that this was the “final opportunity,” threatening permanent deletion of the portal’s social media presence if ignored.
Technology experts have described the incident as a calculated “digital extortion,” highlighting how certain business groups are allegedly misusing money and technology to conceal corruption—posing a serious threat to independent journalism. Previously, the same syndicate had successfully disabled TechZoom.tv’s Facebook page, demonstrating the group’s significant influence and organization.
TechZoom.tv authorities confirmed that they are preparing to file a complaint with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Cyber Crime Unit, submitting all relevant evidence, including email threads. They affirmed that their fight against corruption will continue, refusing to succumb to threats or bribes.
DBTech/EK/OR
