Hackers broke into bank's systems

The heist of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank's account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2016 was conducted by hacking into the central bank's systems, according to a forensic report submitted to a Philippines court.

Bangladesh Police's Criminal Investigation Department submitted the report to the court on July 5 during the hearing of a case filed by Anti-Money Laundering Council of Philippines against Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation of the country for its role in the cyber heist, said Molla Nazrul Islam, special superintendent of police of CID's Organised and Financial Crimes division.

A two-member team led by Rayhan Uddin Khan, additional superintendent of police (CID) and also the investigation officer in the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist case, submitted the forensic report, he said.

Two BB officials accompanied the team, said the central bank sources. The report will be used as evidence in the case, CID officials said.

On February 4, 2016, hackers broke into the BB's systems and generated 70 fake payment orders for the NY Fed to draw about $1.94 billion.

While the NY Fed's security system flagged the payment orders, five of them fell through, and $101 million against them was released. Of the amount, $81 million was wired to the Philippines (RCBC branch in Manila) and $20 million to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka sent back the entire sum immediately and the Philippines just $15 million in November 2016.

Of the $67 million yet to be retrieved, the Philippines authorities could trace $52.50 million, which is now in possession of several individuals and companies.

Ajmalul Hossain, the central bank's legal adviser in the case, earlier said as many as 15 to 20 employees, including top officials, of the RCBC are involved in the scam.

The investigation is still going on.