Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered a significant portion of funds laundered abroad through the online Ponzi scheme MTFE. Using international cooperation and advanced technology, the agency brought back approximately 3.62 million US dollars, equivalent to over Tk 440 million. The recovery was announced at a press briefing at CID headquarters, where officials described it as a major success in combating cyber fraud.

Investigations revealed that MTFE began operating in Bangladesh in June 2022, luring investors through social media advertisements promising high returns from cryptocurrency and forex trading. The platform fabricated virtual trading profits to gain trust and later shut down abruptly in mid-2023, leaving thousands of investors defrauded. Funds were transferred abroad through various cryptocurrency wallets.

CID’s Cyber Police Centre traced part of the laundered assets using blockchain analysis tools and coordinated with international exchanges and Asset Reality Ltd in the UK to convert and repatriate the funds. The recovered money has been deposited in a government account at Sonali Bank. The investigation continues to identify victims and recover remaining assets.