Biman official arrested over alleged human trafficking to Italy

Dhaka: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a Biman Bangladesh Airlines official on charges of human trafficking and migrant smuggling to Italy through the use of forged Schengen visas.

CID's Anti-Human Trafficking (THB) Unit arrested the official at around 3:30 am on June 16 from Nilakshia Bazar in Bakshiganj upazila of Jamalpur district, read a press release from the CID.

The arrested individual was identified as Mohammad Akhlachur Rahman, 40, a junior officer (Ground Service) at the INS (Immigration Naturalization System) Gate of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. He is a resident of Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, and currently lives in Ashkona, Dakshinkhan, Dhaka.

According to the case statement, two victims entered into an agreement with members of a human trafficking network, each paying BDT 2 million in advance out of a promised BDT 3 million package in exchange for employment opportunities and a better life in Italy.

The victims were allegedly provided with air tickets, boarding passes, and Schengen visas for Italy by the trafficking syndicate. On May 26, they departed Bangladesh for Italy on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

However, upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Italian immigration authorities examined their passports and identified the Schengen visas as forged. The victims were subsequently detained for two days before being deported to Bangladesh on May 28.

Following their return, the victims were questioned by immigration police, CID, and other agencies, during which they disclosed details of the trafficking scheme.

Investigators found that the trafficking network had lured the victims with false promises of legal employment abroad and supplied forged visas to facilitate their travel, fraudulently collecting large sums of money in the process.

Based on the findings, a case was filed with the Airport Police Station under sections of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026, as well as relevant provisions of the Penal Code relating to fraud, criminal breach of trust, and forgery.

During the investigation, the CID's THB Unit used intelligence inputs, digital evidence, and other investigative techniques to uncover the alleged involvement of Akhlachur Rahman and subsequently arrested him.

The CID said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the masterminds and other members of the trafficking network. The THB Unit is continuing the investigation.

The agency also urged job seekers, migrants, and travelers to use only government-approved and legal channels for overseas employment and travel. It requested the public to immediately inform CID of any information related to human trafficking, forged visas, migrant smuggling, or similar crimes.