Auto-parts thief picks his gang from jail, gets them out on bail, goes after cars
A leader of auto-parts theft ring has been providing legal aid to detained criminals to have them released and join his gang.
The ringleader, 40-year-old Billal Hossain, recruited at least 20 criminals, who had been detained earlier for theft, mugging or robbery. Some lawyers, who maintain close connection with Billal, had helped him get the criminals released from prison.
The Detective Branch of police arrested Billal along with his two accomplices last month from the capital and seized a huge quantity of stolen auto-parts from them.
The Daily Star talked to Billal after the arrests were made.
Billal from Shokhipur in Gazipur said he has been involved in auto-parts theft for the last 15 years. He had landed in prison at least 15 times, and had been accused in more than 20 cases.
He has made millions of taka by selling stolen auto-parts.
Rab and police officials said at least a dozen such gangs with 50 to 60 members are active in the capital.
Billal’s gang steals auto-parts by holding security guards at gunpoint at parking lots or buildings.
On recruitment of his gang members, Billal said, “Whenever I land in jail, I try to find prisoners who have been accused of theft, mugging or robbery. I make them offers for joining my gang.”
“My associates outside make arrangements for providing legal aid to those who agree to join my gang. I keep close contact with some lawyers who regularly deal with my cases.”
“Even when I am out of jail, I look for information about prisoners adept at auto-parts stealing. I give them similar support if they agree to work for me,” he said.
Billal’s associate Abdul Khalek, who was arrested by the DB on February 7, had got released from jail earlier with Billal’s help.
“Billal gets involved in the crime as soon as he gets released from prison on bail,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner (DB) Ashiqur Rahman, who arrested Billal along with his two accomplices.
Billal said his gang breaks into a building or a parking lot, and holds the security guards at gunpoint.
“My gang members gag them and tie their hands and legs. Then they remove parts from cars and make off with those in a hurry.”
“It takes merely 15 minutes to remove parts from a car,” he said.
Billal said the stolen parts are sold to some specific shops at Dholaikhal and Purana Paltan in the capital.
“We also sell the parts to their owners.”
“We tell the car owners over the phone that they could get back the parts of their cars after paying a certain price,” said Billal.
-With The Daily Star input
