Kolkata Police Bust International Gadget Smuggling Network

In a coordinated operation on Saturday, Kolkata police seized a Bangladeshi national accused of running a cross‑border smuggling ring that supplies stolen smartphones and laptops to buyers in Bangladesh. The accused, Syed Mohammad Salahuddin – also known as "Dollar" – entered India on a valid medical visa, presenting authentic passport and visa documents.

According to investigators, Dollar misused forged medical prescriptions from Bangladeshi doctors to gain repeated entry, even though he suffered no heart or kidney ailments. Upon arrival, he rented accommodation in Haridevpur, a southern Kolkata suburb, where he allegedly cultivated relationships with local thieves and middlemen dealing in stolen electronic goods.

The syndicate is said to purchase stolen iPhones, premium smartphones, laptops, and related accessories at bargain rates, then ship them to Dhaka. There, an established network of electronics thieves sells the contraband at significant profit margins.

The breakthrough came after a recent snatching incident on Central Avenue, where a passerby was stripped of an iPhone and two other phones. The victim lodged a complaint at Bobbazar police station, prompting detectives to review CCTV footage. The footage identified a thief, Mohammad Arabaz, alias "Vicky," who admitted to selling the stolen devices to Dollar.

Following this lead, police set a trap in the New Market area. Dollar was arrested as he attempted to collect a fresh consignment of stolen phones. A search of his rented Haridevpur house revealed multiple stolen mobile phones.

Investigators are interrogating the suspect to expose further members of the transnational smuggling chain. The probe remains ongoing.