Libya’s Al-Nawahi Al-Arba Security Directorate announced on Wednesday the arrest of a criminal gang composed of Bangladeshi nationals accused of kidnapping fellow migrant workers and extorting their families for ransom.
According to an official statement, the gang, consisting of five Bangladeshi men, was engaged in targeting newly arrived Bangladeshi labourers. Victims were reportedly kidnapped, filmed under duress, and their video recordings sent to families back home as a method of blackmail. The captors demanded large sums of money in exchange for the hostages’ release.
Authorities said the criminal group specialised in exploiting vulnerable workers from Bangladesh, many of whom come to Libya seeking employment opportunities in construction and service sectors. The victims were often held in unknown locations, while their families received threats and ransom requests in exchange for their release.
Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department led the operation, gathering evidence and conducting interrogations. “The suspects admitted to the charges after being confronted with the evidence,” the Security Directorate confirmed.
Legal procedures have been initiated, and the suspects have been referred to the relevant legal authorities for prosecution, the statement added.
The incident sheds light on the continuing risks faced by migrant workers in Libya, a country that has long been a destination and transit point for migrants from Africa and Asia. With limited protection and oversight, foreign workers are often subject to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly urged Libyan authorities to strengthen protections for migrant communities and crack down on human trafficking networks operating within its borders.
The Security Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and safeguarding migrant workers, calling for greater cooperation to prevent such criminal activities in the future.
