Bangladeshi national held in Kolkata for smuggling stolen phones, laptops to Dhaka
Synopsis
A Bangladeshi national allegedly used a fake medical prescription to enter India repeatedly on a legitimate medical visa — then built a cross-border network buying stolen iPhones and laptops in Kolkata and selling them at profit in Dhaka. The arrest, triggered by a routine phone-snatching complaint, has now unravelled what police describe as an organised transnational stolen-electronics syndicate.
Key Takeaways
Syed Mohammad Salauddin , alias Dollar , a resident of Mamudpur, Dhaka , was arrested by Kolkata Police on 11 July .
He allegedly used a fake medical prescription to enter India on a genuine medical visa despite having no heart or kidney ailment.
Dollar allegedly rented a house in Haridevpur , Kolkata, and bought stolen iPhones , smartphones, and laptops at throwaway prices.
The devices were reportedly smuggled to Dhaka and sold through a stolen electronics network at higher prices.
The case broke open after the arrest of alleged phone thief Mohammad Arbaaz (alias Vicky ) in a snatching case at Central Avenue .
Police are questioning Dollar to identify other members of the cross-border smuggling network .
A Bangladeshi national has been arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly operating a cross-border syndicate that smuggled stolen mobile phones and laptops from Kolkata to Bangladesh, after repeatedly entering India on a medical visa. The accused was identified as Syed Mohammad Salauddin, alias Dollar, a resident of Mamudpur in Dhaka, according to police on 11 July.
How the Racket Operated
Dollar reportedly posed as an import-export businessman in Bangladesh. Investigators allege he used a fake medical prescription issued by a Bangladeshi doctor — despite having no diagnosed heart or kidney ailment — to secure repeated entry into India. His passport and medical visa were found to be genuine, with no irregularities in his travel documents.
During each visit, he allegedly rented a house in Haridevpur on Kolkata's southern outskirts through a broker, where he established contacts with mobile phone thieves and handlers of stolen goods across the city.
The Stolen Electronics Network
According to investigators, Dollar primarily purchased stolen iPhones and other high-end smartphones at heavily discounted prices before stockpiling them. He also procured stolen laptops and other electronic devices. The items were then allegedly smuggled across the border into Bangladesh, where they were sold at significantly higher prices through a stolen electronics network operating in Dhaka.
The Breakthrough: A Snatching Case
The investigation gained momentum following the arrest of an alleged mobile phone thief linked to a recent snatching incident. A senior Kolkata Police officer said the chain of events began when a man allegedly stole two mobile phones — including an iPhone — from a pedestrian on Central Avenue in Kolkata. After the victim filed a complaint at Bowbazar Police Station, detectives reviewed CCTV footage, identified the suspect as Mohammad Arbaaz, alias Vicky, and arrested him.
During interrogation, Vicky allegedly disclosed that he had sold the stolen phones to a buyer known as Dollar. Detectives then began tracking the suspected receiver of stolen electronics.
Arrest and Recovery
Acting on intelligence gathered during the probe, detectives laid a trap in Kolkata's New Market area. Dollar was arrested after he allegedly arrived there to collect a fresh consignment of stolen mobile phones. A subsequent search of his rented house in Haridevpur led to the recovery of several mobile phones.
Police said they are currently questioning Dollar to identify other members of the cross-border smuggling network. Further investigation is underway, with authorities seeking to map the full extent of the operation between Kolkata and Dhaka.
Point of View
A fabricated prescription, rotating rentals, and a ready buyer network — is low-cost and hard to detect at the border. The real question is how many such operators remain active. The fact that this arrest was triggered by a street-level phone snatching, not by border surveillance or financial intelligence, suggests that the detection mechanism is reactive rather than proactive. India-Bangladesh cross-border crime has historically centred on cattle, narcotics, and human trafficking; the emergence of a stolen high-value electronics corridor points to a newer and potentially growing threat vector that may warrant dedicated inter-agency attention.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Syed Mohammad Salauddin and why was he arrested?
Syed Mohammad Salauddin, alias Dollar, is a Bangladeshi national from Mamudpur in Dhaka who was arrested by Kolkata Police on 11 July for allegedly running a cross-border syndicate that smuggled stolen mobile phones and laptops from Kolkata to Bangladesh. He reportedly posed as an import-export businessman while operating the network.
How did Dollar enter India despite running a criminal operation?
Dollar used a genuine Indian medical visa, but investigators allege he obtained it using a fake prescription from a Bangladeshi doctor, despite not suffering from any heart or kidney ailment. His travel documents showed no irregularities, making him difficult to flag at the border.
How was Dollar caught by Kolkata Police?
The case began when alleged phone thief Mohammad Arbaaz, alias Vicky, was arrested for snatching two mobile phones on Central Avenue. During interrogation, Vicky allegedly revealed he had sold the stolen phones to Dollar. Police then tracked Dollar and arrested him at a trap laid in the New Market area of Kolkata.
What stolen goods were recovered from Dollar?
Several mobile phones were recovered from Dollar's rented house in Haridevpur on Kolkata's southern outskirts. Police allege he had been stockpiling stolen iPhones, high-end smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices before smuggling them to Dhaka.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Kolkata Police are questioning Dollar to identify other members of the cross-border smuggling network. Further investigation is underway, with authorities working to map the full extent of the operation between Kolkata and Dhaka.
