A growing number of Chinese nationals living in Bangladesh are becoming involved in various criminal activities, including murder, fraud, online gambling and human trafficking, according to police.
Police data show that 53 Chinese citizens were arrested between August 2024 and August 10, 2026 in connection with different criminal cases. Authorities are also searching for other Chinese nationals accused in at least 20 cases, including murder.
Recently, police arrested six Chinese nationals during a raid on a hotel in Cox’s Bazar in connection with allegations of online gambling and fraud. Authorities seized 1,938 iPhones, 40 laptops and other equipment during the operation.
In another case this year, a young woman was rescued from a house in Uttara, Dhaka, where she was allegedly being held for trafficking. A Bangladeshi national and two Chinese citizens were arrested in connection with the case.
Earlier, the body of a Chinese national, Wang Bo, was recovered from a house in Uttara. Investigators found that he had allegedly been killed by people who came from China following an old dispute and later fled the country.
Concerns over trafficking of Bangladeshi women
Police and human rights activists have also raised concerns about Bangladeshi women travelling to China on family or marriage visas and subsequently becoming victims of trafficking.
According to data from the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, 4,226 Bangladeshi women travelled to China on family and marriage visas over the past five years. Authorities have observed a sharp rise in the number of women travelling to China on Q1 visas between 2020 and 2025.
Human rights activists say some women who travel to China after marriage may fall victim to international trafficking networks.
Tarikul Islam, country director of Justice and Care Bangladesh, said some individuals involved in arranging marriages recruit people for the purpose. In some cases, investment and marriage arrangements are made, but the documents may not be genuine. Some women are subsequently taken to China after marriage, he said.
Uttara emerges as a hotspot
Police say the number of crimes involving foreign nationals has been increasing in Uttara, an area close to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and home to numerous garment factories and buying houses.
The area also offers relatively easy access to rental housing, making it easier for foreign nationals to establish residences without attracting attention, according to police.
Tarek Beg, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Uttara Division, said police have uncovered several cases involving alleged trafficking of women under the guise of marriage.
“We have been working on cases involving the trafficking of women in the name of marriage. Some victims have also been rescued,” he said.
Police estimate that at least 10,000 Chinese nationals currently live in Uttara.
Authorities say cooperation between local residents and foreign nationals in renting accommodation can sometimes make it difficult for police to maintain accurate records and monitor the activities of foreign residents.
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