Allegations of Human Trafficking by an SP-Led Syndicate

Fake trade licences, forged bank solvency certificates and counterfeit IDs—everything appears to become ‘valid’ in an instant at the immigration counter. With a simple stroke of a pen, mysterious codes such as SL, SS-OK and Ops Sir are written on boarding passes, along with a signature. These symbols are then treated as marks of approval by a powerful syndicate that facilitates the departure of passengers whose documents have no trace of legitimacy. Rural people are promised high-paying jobs in Malaysia and a secure future, but behind these assurances lie deceit, exploitation and uncertainty.

An extensive investigation by the media revealed that a syndicate built around an SP-ranked officer of the Special Branch (SB) has turned the immigration system into a personal income-generating machine. Every day, more than a hundred boarding passes bear identical pen marks, codes and signatures. Showing these unofficial ‘approvals’, people are sent abroad without valid papers. Many are detained in Malaysian immigration and sent back, some work illegally without pay, and others return home after losing everything.

This ‘business’ of sending people to Malaysia now costs between Tk 3 lakh and Tk 5.7 lakh. In exchange, passengers cross the airport counter into an uncertain journey filled with deception.

The syndicate first targets villagers, promising good jobs and a better life abroad. Families sell their assets in the hope of a secure future. Using the money, the syndicate produces fake trade licences, bank certificates, solvency papers, office ID cards and visiting cards. These counterfeit documents are used to obtain visit visas. Later, these ordinary individuals are disguised as ‘businessmen’ and sent abroad.

Since members of the syndicate hold senior positions in immigration, the process becomes very smooth for them. But passengers face trouble once they reach Malaysia. Some work in hiding without proper documents, some are unpaid, and others are detained and deported.

The investigation indicates that the syndicate is led by SP Samrat Mohammad Abu Sufian of the Special Branch. Numerous brokers and a few recruiting agencies work under him. All coordination—from producing forged papers to ticketing—is handled by Mohammad Faruk Sheikh, Managing Director of Air Clouds Tours and Travels.

Many boarding passes collected by the media show SP Samrat Mohammad Abu Sufian’s signature and codes like ‘SS-OK’ or ‘Ops-OK’. Officials said no such signs or symbols are allowed on boarding passes, calling them ‘unofficial markers’ of misconduct.

A frequent traveller told the media that without immigration’s involvement, it is impossible to leave the country using fake papers. “Even with fully valid documents, we face lengthy questioning,” he said.

From 28 October to November, boarding passes of numerous travellers to Malaysia, Bangkok and Colombo were found bearing the same signatures and codes. The media possesses hundreds of such copies.

Families of victims stated that many spent between Tk 3 lakh and Tk 5.7 lakh yet were deceived. One victim, Ratin Shikdar, went to Malaysia three times and was returned each time.

Airport sources said SP Samrat Mohammad Abu Sufian became more aggressive after being officially transferred from SB but continuing in his old role. He allegedly clears over a hundred passengers daily, earning nearly Tk 50 lakh a day by charging Tk 50,000 per person.

A journalist posing as a passenger contacted Faruk Sheikh, who offered to prepare all fake documents for Tk 80,000–85,000. Even political cases were said to be “no problem”.

Shariful Islam Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC, said that when legal migration is closed, fraudulent activities increase. Without trained officers and proper technology, stopping such crimes is difficult.

SP Samrat Mohammad Abu Sufian denied all allegations, saying everything is scanned before approval. He claimed not to know Faruk. Faruk Sheikh also denied all accusations when contacted.

Khaborwala/TSN