Two individuals were detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with 76 electronic spy devices allegedly used for cheating in recruitment and admission exams, Airport Armed Police said on Friday.

Detainees are Shaharun Ali, 38, and Md Iqbal Hossain Jibon, 35. They were arrested late Thursday night from the airport's outer area by the Airport (13) Armed Police Battalion.

Acting on a tip-off, authorities brought the suspects to the Armed Police office at the airport. Search recovered 76 digital electronic spy devices, 50 earpieces, three laptops and six mobile phones.

During interrogation, Shaharun Ali admitted bringing the devices from China while posing as a regular passenger. He was preparing to leave the airport with accomplice Md Iqbal Hossain Jibon, sources said.

Devices include credit-card-sized gadgets, invisible earpieces and transparent extraction threads used in exam fraud. Main card-like device resembles a credit card, making detection difficult. Equipment works through SIM cards, allowing dishonest candidates to receive answers from outside collaborators during exams.

Invisible earpiece is very small and placed deep inside the ear canal, making it impossible to notice from outside. After exams, earpiece is removed using transparent extraction thread.

Case has been filed against both detainees at Airport Police Station under Sections 25B(1)(b)/25-D of Special Powers Act, 1974.

Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Operational Commander of Airport (13) Armed Police Battalion, said devices are on the import prohibition list. "There is evidence that dishonest individuals have used them in recruitment and admission exam fraud. We regularly conduct operations to prevent such illegal activities," he said.