RAB busts human trafficking ring selling Bangladeshi women to Chinese brothels

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-4) has arrested four members of a human trafficking ring accused of luring young Bangladeshi women with promises of high-paying jobs in China and forcing them into prostitution. 

The arrested individuals are Abbas Molla, the ringleader, along with Zahidul Islam alias Babu, Minar Sardar, and Mohammad Ripon Sheikh.

The arrests followed an investigation into the case of a young woman who recently escaped from China. RAB conducted raids across Dhaka, apprehending the main suspects. The operation was confirmed by Lt Colonel Mahbub Alam, Commander of RAB-4, during a press conference at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar today (15 October).

According to Lt Colonel Alam, the victim had previously worked at a beauty parlour in Pirojpur. Several months ago, she and her maternal cousin were introduced via Facebook to Babu, one of the accused. 

When the victim sought job opportunities in Dhaka, Babu offered high-paying positions in China, specifically targeting women with experience in beauty parlours. Persuaded by the promise, they were brought to Dhaka and introduced to the ringleader, Abbas Molla.

Abbas assured them of lucrative jobs in China, promising a salary of Tk1 lakh and an additional Tk10 lakh upon arrival. Using a facilitator named Silvi, the traffickers arranged passports and visas and sent the women to China. 

However, upon arrival, the victims were separated and forced into prostitution in different residences. Unable to endure the abuse, they fell ill and were eventually sent back to Bangladesh under various conditions.

After returning home, the victim contacted the traffickers to secure the release of her sister, who remained in China. Abbas allegedly exploited this situation to coerce her into illegal activities. 

Realising she was being repeatedly abused under false promises, the victim filed a complaint with the police and sought assistance from RAB.

Using technological resources, RAB-4 traced the suspects' locations and launched a coordinated operation across Dhaka yesterday night, leading to their arrest.

Lt Colonel Alam stated that the trafficking ring had operated for nearly a decade, luring women from various districts with promises of high-paying jobs or marriages in China. 

The group used forged documents, including passports, birth certificates, and national IDs, to facilitate rapid trafficking. So far, the ring is known to have trafficked at least 20 women, although the actual number could be higher.

In addition to the four arrested, several other Bangladeshi nationals and some Chinese citizens are reportedly involved, and investigations are ongoing.