Human trafficking syndicate defrauded 13 job seekers of TK 1 crore 21 lakh by promising employment in Europe and Australia with fake visas, Rapid Action Battalion revealed following recent arrests.

RAB arrested two syndicate members from capital’s Kawran Bazar on Monday and seized visa-making devices alongside large quantities of forged visas. Main perpetrator identified as Shafiqur Rahman Sumon from Jashore, working with computer operator Qurban Ali, 30, who created fake visas using specialized equipment.

Kazi Sabbir Islam from Magura district paid Tk 20 lakh after receiving promises of Australia employment. “I couldn’t find anything by searching online. When I started searching about Australia visa categories and everything online, I realized everything was completely fraudulent”, Sabbir told media after discovering his visa was fake.

Saranika Dewan from Khagrachari faced identical deception, losing Tk 20 lakh after being lured with attractive offers. “His brother gave the offer that he is a company manager in Australia, they will take 20 to 30 people from Bangladesh. I sold my property to pay the money. I request fair justice”, Saranika told media.

Mohammad Shahinur Kabir, Company Commander of CPC-2, RAB-4, told media that victims paid TK 19 lakh 5 thousand in multiple installments through cash and bank transfers against promised TK 20 lakh packages.

“They were told they would receive visas within one or two days. We raided the Kawran Bazar tower and arrested two people. We will be able to arrest the remaining members”, Kabir said.

RAB confirmed the human trafficking syndicate operates nationwide network. Authorities are working to apprehend remaining gang members across Bangladesh.