An online fraud ring named ‘Mistral AI’ has allegedly disappeared with Tk 15 crore, collected from residents across various areas of Ishwardi in Pabna, after luring them with promises of eliminating unemployment and ensuring high profits.
According to sources, the fraudsters claimed ‘Mistral AI’ was a subsidiary of Google and a chief associate of Bill Gates, promising returns several times higher than the initial investments within just 40 days. They also painted a dream of a prosperous, stress-free life with attractive daily bonuses. Deceived by the scheme, 1,887 individuals from Ishwardi reportedly joined the platform and deposited a total of Tk 15 crore.
In June, the fraudsters allegedly fled with the deposited funds. Victims have since filed complaints at the local police station and staged a human chain protest on Saturday (July 19) at the Khayruzzaman Bus Terminal square near the Ishwardi Rail Gate, demanding the arrest of the culprits and the return of their money.
According to the complaint, the key accused include Badal Hossain Khan Mahfuz (45), son of late Karim Khan of College Para in Muladuli Union; Md Abdul Barek Khan (42); Md Biplob Khan (38); Md Yasin Hossain (44) of Mosuria Para, Bokul Mor in Ishwardi Municipality; Md Zahid Hossain (35) of Charmirkamari in Salimpur Union; and Md Faruk Hossain from Gormati village under Baraigram Police Station in Natore.
The accused allegedly held a seminar in June where they convinced attendees to invest in an online business. They reportedly collected the funds through direct transactions and mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad before vanishing.
Efforts to contact the accused failed as their phones remained switched off. However, one of them, Md Yasin Hossain, claimed, “They only used me to collect money. I, too, have been deceived. I personally lost a significant amount to them.”
ABM Monirul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Ishwardi Police Station, told Jago News, “A complaint has been lodged alleging that a fraud ring has embezzled Tk 15 crore from customers. We will take legal action upon completion of the investigation.”