BFIU to freeze 14,000 more MFS accounts over online gambling, hundi links
BFIU is freezing 14,000 additional MFS accounts due to suspected links to online gambling and digital hundi activities.Summary
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has initiated the freezing of approximately 14,000 mobile financial service (MFS) accounts following reports of involvement in illegal online gambling and digital hundi operations. This action follows the freezing of 10,000 accounts in the previous month.
Officials noted that the widespread availability of MFS accounts has facilitated criminal networks. To combat this, authorities are working to prevent individuals with frozen accounts from opening new ones using national identity cards. Key individuals involved in these networks have been identified and referred to relevant agencies for further action.
This crackdown aligns with the Cyber Security Act, 2026, which criminalizes online gambling. Under this law, activities such as operating gambling portals or promoting gambling advertisements can result in up to two years of imprisonment and significant fines.
(Source：The Business Standard)