While the term "honey trap" has occasionally surfaced in the past, it has recently come under the spotlight following the controversy involving Meghna Alam— model, actress, and Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020. Yet, many are still unfamiliar with what a honey trap truly is, and who typically falls victim to it.
Although the concept has been popularised through countless global films, web series, and TV shows— notably in the James Bond franchise— the term "honey trap" first appeared in literature in 1974, in British-Irish author John le Carré's spy novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
What is Honey Trap?
In simple terms, a honey trap is a form of deception. Literally translated into Bengali, it means "sweet trap" and is often referred to as a "trap of love." In this tactic, seduction — often involving sexual relationships — is used as bait to blackmail individuals into revealing confidential information or handing over large sums of money.
Who are the Typical Targets?
Honey traps aren't set for amusement; they are strategic. High-profile individuals such as diplomats, ambassadors, political figures, senior government officials, intelligence officers, wealthy businessmen, and influencers are often the primary targets.
Operatives from these criminal networks frequently lurk in upscale bars and luxury hotels, observing and identifying potential victims. Once a target is selected, they set the trap, and many unsuspecting individuals fall into it.
In Bangladesh, recent reports suggest that a foreign ambassador based in Dhaka and former Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwar Azim Anar were among those ensnared by honey traps.
The Evolution of Honey Trap: Past to Present
During World War II and the Cold War, honey traps were frequently used by the Soviet Union to extract secrets from the West. Similarly, Western intelligence agencies used the tactic against Soviet operatives.
Beyond the Cold War, Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, has also been linked to honey trap operations. Both Indian and Pakistani military intelligence agencies have faced accusations of using honey traps to gain classified information from each other.
In today's digital era, the method has evolved. Social media and adult dating platforms have become hotspots for such schemes. High-profile businessmen, senior officials, politicians, journalists, and celebrities often find themselves targeted by fake lovers who engage in intimate or explicit video chats, only to later blackmail them or trap them while secretly working for a third party.
Muhammad Umar Faruq, a leading crime expert and Chairman of the Department of Criminology and Police Science at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, stated that honey trapping is undeniably a criminal act, orchestrated mainly by organised crime groups often backed by political or financial powerhouses. Individuals with low self-control are particularly vulnerable.
He emphasised that raising public awareness is crucial to combating this issue, suggesting that law enforcement agencies should lead the way in educating people.
It's important to note, however, that while honey traps sometimes reveal hidden truths, innocent individuals can also get caught up in these schemes due to a single moment of poor judgment.
