Main accused in Libya ransom case arrested

The Rapid Action Battalion has arrested alleged human trafficker Julhas Sardar, the main accused in a case involving the trafficking of a young man to Libya and the collection of Tk 49 lakh in ransom from his family.

A joint team of RAB-8 and RAB-10 arrested Julhas, 50, from the Smritidhara residential area in the capital’s Kadamtoli on Tuesday night.

RAB identified him as the son of late Abdul Majid Sardar of Satyabadi village in Madaripur’s Rajoir upazila.

At least 15 cases involving human trafficking, murder and offences under anti-terrorism laws are pending against him, according to the force.

Case documents say Julhas and eight alleged associates promised to send Arman Sheikh of Rajoir to Italy and initially collected Tk 23 lakh from his family.

Instead, the gang allegedly took Arman to Libya and handed him over to a criminal group.

The captors later sent videos of Arman to his family and demanded ransom for his release. His family paid another Tk 49 lakh in several instalments to secure his freedom, RAB said.

Arman’s mother, Jahanara Begum, filed a human trafficking case with Rajoir Police Station on June 2.

RAB said investigators traced Julhas through intelligence surveillance and technological assistance before arresting him.

The force later handed him over to Jatrabari Police Station for further legal action.

RAB said operations were continuing to arrest the other alleged members of the trafficking ring.