One Arrested at Dhaka Airport Over Alleged Tk 40 Lakh Fraud Involving Fake Visas to Italy

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police has arrested a man identified as Md Kamal Hossain, 47, in connection with a human trafficking case involving allegations of taking Tk 40 lakh from two young men by promising them jobs and better living opportunities in Italy and sending them to the country using forged Schengen visas.

Kamal was arrested at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 7:00 pm on October 11.

The arrested suspect is a resident of Baraiya in the Krishnapur area under Chandina Police Station in Cumilla. He is the son of the late Abdur Rob. According to the CID, he was arrested following an operation based on evidence gathered during the investigation and intelligence indicating his alleged involvement in the case.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), a suspected human trafficking network promised the complainant and another young man known to him employment opportunities in Italy, along with the prospect of a better life.

The suspects allegedly agreed to arrange their travel and employment for Tk 30 lakh per person. Under the arrangement, the two men reportedly paid Tk 20 lakh each to the accused at different times, bringing the total alleged payment to Tk 40 lakh.

According to the complaint, the two men were provided with airline tickets and visas after making the payments. They subsequently departed for Italy on May 26, 2026, aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.

However, they encountered difficulties upon arriving at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy.

Italian immigration officers examined their passports, visas and airline tickets. Although their passports were found to be genuine, the Italian Schengen visas attached to them were reportedly identified as forged. The two men were subsequently detained by Italian immigration police.

The FIR states that both men were sent back to Bangladesh on May 28 following their detention. After returning home, they informed the relevant authorities about their experiences, and steps were subsequently taken to initiate legal proceedings.

The complainant filed a case with Airport Police Station under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on May 30, 2026. The case was registered as Case No. 27.

According to the complaint, the case was filed under Sections 6, 7, 16 and 19 of the relevant human trafficking and migrant smuggling prevention legislation, along with Sections 406, 420, 467, 468 and 109 of the Penal Code.

The CID stated that the investigation is focusing on the roles of those allegedly involved, financial transactions and the identification of other individuals connected to the suspected trafficking network.

Investigators identified Kamal Hossain through an analysis of evidence collected during the investigation and intelligence information before arresting him.

According to the CID, Kamal allegedly admitted his involvement in human trafficking during preliminary questioning following his arrest. However, no information was provided regarding his response to the allegations or any statement made in his defence.

Following his arrest, Kamal was produced before a court.

Investigators are continuing efforts to identify other suspects and members of the alleged trafficking network, while also examining how the money was transferred and distributed among those involved.

Sources familiar with the investigation said further evidence would be examined and appropriate legal action taken against those found to be involved, based on the findings of the investigation.

Allegations of prospective migrant workers losing substantial sums of money to fraudulent overseas employment schemes remain a serious concern.

In this case, investigators will examine the allegations concerning the collection of money from the two men, the provision of forged visas and their subsequent detention in Italy.

The allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. Kamal Hossain is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.