Bangladeshi Graphic Designer Arrested in Nationwide Bomb Threat Email Racket
Severity: Medium (Score: 56.0)
Sources: Newindianexpress, Tribuneindia
Published: · Updated:
Keywords: nationwide, bomb, threat, police, punjab, over, amritsar
Summary
Sourav Biswas, a 30-year-old graphic designer from Bangladesh, was arrested by Punjab Police for his involvement in a network sending hoax bomb threat emails to schools and sensitive establishments across India. The investigation revealed that Biswas procured and sold around 300 Gmail accounts, which were used to anonymously distribute the threats. Payments for these accounts were made using USDT cryptocurrency, with links to individuals in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The police have seized multiple digital devices and are now focusing on uncovering a larger interstate and cross-border cyber network. The threats aimed to create panic and disrupt public peace, prompting heightened security measures in affected areas. This arrest marks the first significant breakthrough in a case that has caused widespread alarm in several states. Key Points: • Sourav Biswas arrested for sending hoax bomb threat emails across India. • Approximately 300 Gmail accounts were procured and sold for anonymous threats. • Investigators are tracking a larger cross-border cyber network linked to the threats.
Detailed Analysis
**Impact** Over 300 Gmail and 15 Hotmail accounts were compromised and used to send hoax bomb threat emails targeting schools and sensitive establishments across multiple Indian states, including Punjab and Gujarat. The threats caused panic and operational disruptions in private and government schools, triggering security inspections and deployment of anti-sabotage squads. The incident poses risks to public safety and national security, with cross-border implications involving Bangladesh and Pakistan. **Technical Details** The attacker procured and resold email credentials via encrypted online platforms and WhatsApp, with payments routed through USDT cryptocurrency. Approximately 219 Gmail accounts were sold to a Bangladesh-based individual and subsequently shared with Pakistan-based actors for sending anonymous bomb threat emails. Seized items include three CPUs, five hard disks, three mobile phones, and an internet router. No malware, CVEs, or specific tools beyond encrypted communication and cryptocurrency payments were reported. **Recommended Response** Defenders should monitor for suspicious email account creation and credential sales on encrypted platforms and WhatsApp channels. Implement enhanced email filtering and threat detection for bomb threat keywords and anomalous sender behavior targeting schools and sensitive institutions. Coordinate with law enforcement and Interpol for intelligence sharing on related accounts and actors. No specific patches or malware signatures were identified for immediate deployment.
Source articles (2)
- Bangladeshi graphic designer held in Punjab over nationwide bomb threat email racket — Newindianexpress · 2026-05-22
CHANDIGARH: A man involved in a nationwide network of bomb threat emails targeting schools and sensitive establishments has been arrested by Punjab Police, with investigators claiming he was part of a… - 300 gmail IDs, crypto payments and a trail to Pakistan: How Amritsar police cracked school ... — Tribuneindia · 2026-05-21
The Amritsar police have arrested a man allegedly linked to the nationwide series of hoax bomb threat emails sent to schools and other sensitive establishments across the country over the past several…
Timeline
- 2026-05-21 — Sourav Biswas arrested: Punjab Police arrested Biswas, linking him to a series of hoax bomb threats sent to schools nationwide.
- 2026-05-22 — Details of the operation revealed: Police disclosed that Biswas sold 300 Gmail accounts, with payments routed through cryptocurrency to individuals in Bangladesh.
- Recent — Threatening emails received by schools: Several schools received new bomb threat emails, prompting increased security measures by local authorities.