Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a major crackdown on online gambling and betting platforms as part of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 coming into force.
According to sections 20-22 of the new cyber law, it is prohibited to:
- create, operate, or promote gambling-related platforms, applications, or devices;
- participate directly or indirectly in gambling;
- advertise gambling;
- conduct any financial transaction related to gambling, including fraud and forgery.
Noncompliance carries up to two years in prison or a fine of $81,845, or both.
Under the Act, investigators have already identified more than 1,100 mobile financial services (MFS) believed to be involved in transactions related to illegal gambling networks. The CID has forwarded their data to Bangladesh Bank with a recommendation to revoke their licenses and impose financial sanctions.
“In addition, strict legal action will be taken against all mobile financial services agents, banks, and other financial institutions found to be involved in such activities,” was said in the statement from the 26 of May.
Bangladesh Bank issued new guidelines for financial institutions on May 28. The instructions direct all banks and financial institutions to strengthen transaction monitoring. In particular, customers related to online gambling. It also recommends the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help detect such activity.
“If any customer is suspected of being involved in online gambling, immediate action should be taken and law enforcement authorities should be notified,” the directive says.
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