Human trafficking syndicate detected under the lure of high-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia: CID arrests 05, recovers 51 Bangladeshi passports

Human trafficking syndicate detected under the lure of high-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia: CID arrests 05, recovers 51 Bangladeshi passports

Md Babul Bangladesh Correspondent

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police has arrested 05 members of a human trafficking and migrant smuggling ring on charges of embezzling money by deceiving them by promising 100% job security on a driving visa in Saudi Arabia.

The Human Trafficking Branch (THB) unit of the CID arrested them from the Sainik Club area of Banani (DMP) police station on 23/08/2026 in the afternoon. 51 Bangladeshi passports, 03 smartphones and some registers were recovered as important evidence during the arrest. All the arrested are accused in the case.

The arrested are 1. Md. Shamim (40), father- Md. Ali Ashraf, mother- Firoza Begum, Sang-Gazir Hat, Thana-Mollarhat, District-Bagerhat, 2. Md. Ruhul Amin (24), father- Md. Razzak, mother- Nazma Begum, Sang-Chamurdani, Thana-Madhyanagar, District-Sunamganj, 3. Md. Hridoy Hasan (26), father- Md. A. Hakim, mother- Rozia Begum, Sang-Gholarpara, Thana-Gopalpur, District-Tangail, 4. Abu Raihan (29), father- Md. Riazuddin, mother- Amina Begum, Sang-Namania, Thana-Kapasia, District-Gazipur, 5. Md. Sunny Mia (25), father- Md. Shariful Islam, mother- Mocha. Rani Begum, Sang-Dighalghao, Thana-Muktagachha, District-Mymensingh.

According to the case report, the victim-plaintiff advertised in an online advertisement that he was being given a 100% guarantee of a job in Saudi Arabia with a driving visa and a monthly salary of 2,500 riyals. When the mobile number given in the advertisement was contacted, a member of the gang asked the victim to contact the office located in the Sainik Club area of Banani. Later, a contract was made for a total of 3 lakh 70 thousand taka, promising to provide the victim with a job in a company with a driving visa in Saudi Arabia. According to the contract, the full amount was to be paid before going abroad. In continuation of this, the gang received a total of 2 lakh 66 thousand taka from the victim at different times in bank and cash. However, instead of giving him a driving visa as promised, he was given a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia. Realizing the matter, the victim-plaintiff filed a case No. 31, dated 24/08/2026 AD, with Banani (DMP) Police Station. Section- 15/16/19/20 of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026 and Section 406/420 of the Penal Code.

Initial investigation by the CID revealed that the gang had fraudulently received and embezzled approximately 19 lakh taka from several other victims by promising to send them to different countries. In addition, the accused had been enticing the general public by enticing them with attractive offers of employment abroad and online advertisements and had been conducting human trafficking and fraudulent activities by collecting passports of various people and keeping them in their custody.

Currently, the investigation of the case is being conducted by the Human Trafficking Branch of the CID. The CID’s investigation is continuing to identify other individuals involved in the investigation of the case, absconding accused, domestic and foreign associates of the gang and potential victims.

CID urges citizens not to hand over money or passports without verification when tempted by any person or organization for employment, immigration or travel abroad. All are requested to follow only government-approved and legal procedures when going abroad and to properly verify the legitimacy of the person or organization concerned.In addition, if any person or organization demands an unusual amount of money in the name of obtaining a visa, holds a passport hostage, or is suspected of being involved in visa fraud, human trafficking or illegal immigration, it is also requested to immediately inform the nearest law enforcement agency or CID.