The incident highlights the need for greater security in systems to protect citizens’ data from unauthorized access.
In recent years, Telegram has become a leading communication channel, praised for its security and advanced features. However, this popularity has also attracted illegal activity. Numerous chats and groups on Telegram are used to exchange illegal contentIncluding selling false documents, stealing information and other criminal activities.
Unfortunately, the platform has become a breeding ground for cybercriminals who use its secure infrastructure to conduct illegal activities without being easily tracked. Much has been said recently about a particularly sensational case, where the protagonists of illegal transactions were subjects that no one ever expected. The scandal has shaken public opinion and raised serious concerns about the security of personal information and the integrity of the institutions charged with protecting them.
Illegal Trafficking of Personal Data Discovered: Here’s What Happened
Those accused of selling personal information of citizens through Telegram Two senior officers of the Bangladesh Anti-Terrorism Police. The disclosure was confirmed in a letter signed by Brigadier General Mohammad Bakr, director of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Center (NTMC), the government agency responsible for electronic surveillance.
According to the letter, the concerned officials Collected and sold classified data including national identification details and telephone call records. This data, considered highly sensitive, was sold to criminals for money on Telegram.
The investigation began when investigators analyzed NTMC system logs, noting a Unusual and frequent access by two agents. These officials, a Superintendent of Police of the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) and a Deputy Assistant Superintendent of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB 6), have been identified as primarily responsible for the leak.
The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has directed the police agencies to take necessary action against the officials involved. However, the official response has been rather limited. Spokesmen for the ministry and the ATU did not respond to requests for comment, while a representative from RAB 6 declined to comment on the situation.
This discovery raised Concerns among human rights and privacy organizations. Human Rights Watch and Freedom House have criticized the NTMC for its lack of safeguards against abuse, highlighting how these weaknesses can compromise citizens’ privacy and security.
Making matters worse is that this is not the first time that NTMC has been embroiled in data protection issues. Highlighting these events Urgency to reform information management practices and implement strong security measures. The sale of personal information for profit by government officials is a serious crime that undermines citizens’ trust in institutions.