Instagram influencer, associate arrested over porn sales, producing allegations

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested an Instagram influencer and her alleged associate for reportedly producing and selling pornographic content through social media platforms.

The arrested individuals are Sumaiya Sayeed, 25, and Khaja Saklain Faruk, 30.

DB's Cyber and Special Crime (South) unit arrested Sumaiya from Bashundhara Residential Area and Faruk from Badda Link Road on 11 August. A smartphone was seized from each of them.

DB Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tariqul Islam confirmed the arrests to The Business Standard today (19 August).

He said the suspects allegedly produced pornographic videos and images, promoted them through Instagram and sold them for money through specific Telegram groups and channels.

Police have filed a case against six people, including the two arrested, with Ramna Police Station under the Pornography Control Act.

Sumaiya's father, Md Abu Sayeed, has also been named as a suspect in the case over allegations that he was aware of the activities and received earnings from them, according to police.

DB officials said preliminary analysis of the seized devices found evidence of the suspects' alleged involvement in advertising, selling and financial transactions related to the content.

Meanwhile, a Dhaka court has ordered one-day jail-gate questioning of Sumaiya in the case.

On 13 August, investigation officer DB Sub-Inspector Md Rashedul Islam sought a three-day remand for Sumaiya. Following the application, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam ordered one-day jail-gate questioning.

Prosecution department Sub-Inspector Shah Alam confirmed the development.

According to the remand application, investigators want to obtain the password of the Instagram account allegedly used in the activities and identify other accused and unidentified individuals involved.