Italian citizen mugged in Dhaka: Police arrest 2, recover valuables in 12hrs

Police have arrested two alleged muggers and recovered valuables stolen from an Italian citizen just 12 hours after the crime in Dhaka.

The suspects, identified as Khorshed Alam, 28, and Shahin Mia, 22, were apprehended in separate raids, police said today (3 February).

According to Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Talebur Rahman, the crime took place early Sunday (2 February) in Dhaka's Turag area.

The victim, Tania Mohammad Sheikh Nur, an Italian citizen, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 4:01am. She then booked a ride through Uber and headed for a hostel in Sector-19, Uttara East.

However, instead of taking her to her destination, the motorbike rider diverted to a bridge near Sector 15 of the Metro Rail. There, her Italian passport, iPhone 13, MacBook charger, Italian identification card, bank card, books, and €50 in cash were looted.

Following the mugging, Tania filed a general diary (GD) at Turag Police Station.

Reviewing CCTV footage and using technology, investigators identified Uber driver Khorshed Alam as a suspect. He was arrested at Pakuria Hasu Bottala at 5:15 am on Sunday.

Based on Khorshed's confession, police later arrested Shahin Mia from a residence in Pakuria at 11:15 pm the same day.

During preliminary interrogation, police discovered that the suspects were part of an organized mugging syndicate. They allegedly posed as motorbike drivers to lure passengers, take them to secluded locations, and rob them of their valuables.

Police have recovered the stolen items and are continuing their investigation.