Tamanna Zerin, the alleged mastermind behind a human trafficking network sending people from Bangladesh to Russia, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. She was apprehended on Thursday (February 6), while attempting to flee to Nepal.
A case had already been filed against Tamanna Zerin at Banani Police Station. It is alleged that the individuals she sent to Russia were forced to fight against Ukraine on behalf of Russia.
Two victims of this trafficking scheme, Humayun Kabir from Hulhuliya village in Singra, Natore, and his brother-in-law Rahmat Ali, sold their land and gold jewellery and took high-interest loans to travel to Russia. They were sent there under the guise of employment but were forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
On January 26, Humayun Kabir was killed in battle, while Rahmat Ali now seeks to return home.
According to their family members, the two men travelled to Russia on December 30 through a Dhaka-based agency, Dream Home Travel & Tours Ltd Shortly after arriving, they were coerced into joining the war. Humayun was killed in a drone strike on January 23, and his family received confirmation of his death on January 26.
As news of the incident spread, law enforcement agencies intensified their efforts to crack down on human trafficking networks. Their investigation ultimately led to the arrest of Tamanna Zerin, the alleged ringleader of the operation.
