TL;DR
- Malaysian Immigration Department busted a human trafficking ring in Klang Sentral, rescuing six Bangladeshi men aged 18-41 and arresting one suspect.
- The syndicate lured Bangladeshis with tourist visas for work, charging RM15,000 per person and an additional RM5,000 to leave the premises.
- Authorities seized seven Bangladeshi passports and seven mobile phones during the raid conducted on November 3, 2024, at approximately 3:54 PM.
- The rescued victims have been placed in a shelter, while the arrested suspect is being held at the Shah Alam police lockup for further investigation.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia successfully dismantled a human trafficking operation in Klang Sentral, rescuing six Bangladeshi men aged 18 to 41. The raid, conducted on November 3, 2024, at approximately 3:54 PM, targeted a shophouse where the victims were being held.
During the operation, authorities apprehended a seventh Bangladeshi man, believed to be the caretaker of the premises, as he attempted to escape through a window. Officials seized seven Bangladeshi passports and seven mobile phones as evidence in the case.
According to a statement released by the Immigration Department on November 4, the trafficking syndicate had been luring Bangladeshi nationals into Malaysia using tourist visas under the guise of employment opportunities. The criminal group managed the victims’ passports and flight arrangements, charging each individual approximately RM15,000 (roughly $3,500 USD). Furthermore, anyone wishing to leave the premises was required to pay an additional RM5,000 ($1,170 USD).
“This operation highlights our ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals,” said a spokesperson for the Malaysian Immigration Department.
The rescued victims have been placed in a shelter to receive necessary support and assistance. Meanwhile, the detained suspect is being held at the Shah Alam police lockup for further investigation.
This successful raid underscores the persistent challenge of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, particularly affecting migrant workers from countries like Bangladesh. It also demonstrates the continued efforts of Malaysian authorities to address this critical issue and protect potential victims.
Human rights organizations have long called for increased vigilance and stricter measures to prevent such exploitation. This recent operation serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating human trafficking networks that often span multiple countries.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may be related to human trafficking or exploitation of migrant workers.
Source: The Daily Star
