NIA Captures Another Fleeing Suspect in Sri Lankan Human Trafficking Case
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Synopsis
The NIA has successfully arrested a major suspect, Mohamed Ibrahim, in a human trafficking case involving the illegal entry of Sri Lankan nationals into India under false pretenses. This arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into a complex trafficking network.
Key Takeaways
- NIA apprehended Mohamed Ibrahim in Chennai.
- He was involved in trafficking Sri Lankan nationals.
- The case began on July 13, 2021.
- Multiple charges including human trafficking and cheating.
- 10 individuals have been charge-sheeted so far.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced the apprehension of a significant absconding suspect in a human trafficking investigation related to the unlawful entry of Sri Lankan citizens into India under the false pretext of obtaining employment in Canada.
The suspect, Mohamed Ibrahim, who had been evading capture and was subject to multiple non-bailable warrants, was taken into custody in Chennai on Friday thanks to a joint operation executed by the NIA and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Tamil Nadu Police.
As per the NIA, Ibrahim marks the ninth individual arrested with regard to this case, which was initiated on July 13, 2021. The allegations against him and others encompass criminal conspiracy (Section 120B IPC), human trafficking (Section 370 IPC), and cheating (Section 420 IPC), along with violations of the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act.
Investigations have disclosed that Mohamed Ibrahim was instrumental in the trafficking of Sri Lankan nationals, enabling their illegal entrance into India via the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. He was accountable for orchestrating the movement of two groups of trafficked individuals from Mandapam in the Ramanathapuram district to the Thoothukudi coast. From there, they were secretly conveyed to various locations in Karnataka using road and rail networks, as reported by the leading investigative agency.
The trafficking operation functioned through a highly organized framework — victims were retrieved from mid-sea and transferred onto small vessels before being smuggled to the Indian mainland. They were subsequently relocated to holding sites prior to further transport.
The case was originally filed by the Karnataka Police after raids at guest houses in Mangalore, where Sri Lankan nationals lacking valid travel documents were uncovered based on reliable intelligence.
Later, the NIA assumed control of the investigation and revealed a comprehensive human trafficking network with international connections.
To date, 10 individuals, including Ibrahim and another fugitive, Imran Hajjyar, have been charge-sheeted in this case. Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects.
