Human trafficker arrested for job scam and abuse in Saudi Arabia

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Md. Salman Hossain, 33, in connection with a human trafficking ring that lured a victim to Saudi Arabia with promises of employment at a fast-food restaurant.

According to investigators, the syndicate collected 600,000 BDT from the victim before sending him to Saudi Arabia in June. Upon arrival, the promised job was not provided. Instead, the victim was held captive in a residence where members of the ring, including Hossain, allegedly demanded more money from his family under the guise of providing residency permits (Iqama). The victim was subjected to physical abuse during this period.

The victim eventually managed to escape the residence and sought refuge with a local individual in a desert area before being detained by Saudi police. He was repatriated to Bangladesh on July 22. Following a complaint filed by the victim's wife at Savar Police Station, the CID's human trafficking unit arrested Hossain at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and their domestic and international accomplices.