CID Busts NID Data Scam, Two Election Office Staff Arrested

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two staff members from the Gazaria Upazila Election Office over allegations of supplying sensitive citizens’ data through National ID (NID) fraud, reportedly generating illegal earnings exceeding BDT 110 million in just 30 days.

The arrested individuals are Md. Habibullah (41), assistant cum computer operator, and Md. Alamin (39), data entry operator (outsourced), according to DIG Md. Abul Bashar Talukdar of CID’s Cyber Police Center, who spoke at a press briefing on Thursday, January 15.

Alamin was apprehended on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:30 PM from the Agargaon Election Office area in Dhaka. Using information obtained from him, Habibullah was arrested at 12:10 AM the same night in Chandrima Housing, Mohammadpur. Two mobile phones were seized from the duo.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Alamin possessed a confidential Election Commission ID and password, which enabled access to NID data nationwide. He reportedly provided this access to Habibullah in exchange for a weekly bribe of BDT 4,000–5,000. Habibullah allegedly sold sensitive NID information at BDT 200–300 per record.

CID investigations show that within one week, they supplied 112,150 records, and over 30 days, 365,608 records. At BDT 300 per record, this amounts to nearly BDT 110 million in illicit earnings. Habibullah reportedly used the money to acquire properties in Dhaka, including a personal flat, and maintain a lavish lifestyle.

Both suspects admitted during interrogation that they had long exploited OTP transfers to access the Election Commission’s NID server and sold data via social media platforms. A case has been filed at Paltan Model Police Station, and their arrests are part of the ongoing investigation.

When asked, DIG Talukdar added that if others are involved in the racket, they will also be brought under the law.

DBTech/BTS/MUM/OR