NSI, RAB arrest five human traffickers

National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Rapid Action Battalion-2 (RAB-2) arrested five members, including the ringleader, of an international human trafficking ring in a joint operation.

Acting on intelligence provided by NSI, RAB-2 raided the residence of ringleader Aminul Islam, 46, in Sector-11, Uttara, on Sunday night.

Alongside Aminul, Abdul Hakim, 35, Mohammed Nur Islam, 32, Assaduzzaman, 35, and Mohammed Shahriar Sheikh Murad, 42, were also arrested during the operation.

Law enforcement officials recovered nine passports, ten smartphones, one basic phone, and Tk1.56 crore in cash believed to be proceeds from human trafficking.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.

A case has been filed under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012, along with relevant sections of the Penal Code.

According to RAB, the syndicate led by Aminul has been active for years, targeting unemployed youth by luring them with promises of overseas jobs in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The traffickers reportedly charged between Tk20 and Tk25 lakh per person, using forged passports and fake visas to send victims primarily to Europe.

Victims were initially sent to the Middle East before being routed through Egypt and Libya via illegal sea routes to reach Europe.

Case files reveal that Aminul collected Tk20 lakh from Zahid Hossain, 42, brother of the complainant, under the pretence of sending him to Italy. Zahid was taken to Egypt via Madinah on 13 July, where traffickers held him hostage and demanded ransom.

Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently underway, RAB confirmed.