The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Police has arrested a man in Dhaka on charges of money laundering linked to human trafficking, hostage-taking, and ransom collection under the pretext of sending job seekers to Malaysia.
The arrestee has been identified as Masud Karim, 50, the owner of Tahsin Tours and Travels. He is a resident of Monai Hawlader Kandi (Charbhaga) village under Sakhipur Police Station in Shariatpur district.
According to a press release issued by the CID on Tuesday, he was arrested from the Palwell Market area under Paltan Police Station in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the CID, two men were promised work permit visas for Malaysia but were instead taken there on visit visas and held hostage at an undisclosed location after stepping out of the airport.
Later, with the assistance of an international organised human trafficking ring, the perpetrators telephoned the victims’ relatives and demanded a ransom of Tk5 lakh for their release. During their captivity, the victims were subjected to physical and mental torture as well as intimidation.
The syndicate managed to extract Tk2 lakh in ransom through a bank account. Following the incident, one of the victims lodged a case with the police.
Upon completing a money laundering inquiry into allegations of human trafficking, abduction, and ransom collection, a case was formally filed against Masud Karim and his firm, Tahsin Tours and Travels.
The CID stated that the case is currently under investigation, with efforts under way to identify other local and foreign accomplices, trace absconding suspects, and locate potential other victims.
Meanwhile, the CID urged the public not to hand over money or passports without verifying the legitimacy of individuals or travel agencies before traveling or seeking employment abroad.
The agency also advised citizens to report to the nearest law enforcement unit or the CID if they suspect visa fraud, illegal withholding of passports, exorbitant money demands, or human trafficking.
