Italian police in Sicily have arrested a 25-year-old Bangladeshi man suspected of being involved in a transnational smuggling network operating in Bangladesh, Libya, and Italy.
The suspect, identified as Atikul A., faces charges of aiding illegal migration, slavery, kidnapping, and torture, among other crimes.
Authorities believe Atikul A. was part of a criminal organization facilitating the illegal movement of migrants from Bangladesh to Libya and then Italy. The network allegedly engaged in acts of extortion, forcing families of detained migrants to pay large ransoms while the victims were subjected to inhumane treatment in Libya.
The investigation began in July after an alleged victim, also from Bangladesh, contacted staff at the Pozzallo migrant reception center in Sicily. The man described enduring months of captivity in Libya, during which he suffered severe torture. His family was coerced into making ransom payments to secure his release.
According to police, Atikul A. and unidentified accomplices used video calls to show families graphic scenes of violence against their loved ones, demanding high payments for their freedom. After arriving in Italy, the alleged victim encountered Atikul A. at the Pozzallo reception center, where the suspect reportedly issued further demands for money. This prompted the victim to report the ordeal to authorities.
Investigators uncovered evidence from a confiscated cell phone, linking the suspect to the smuggling operation. Police confirmed the existence of a criminal network with bases in Libya, Bangladesh, and Italy. They also documented multiple instances of kidnapping, torture, and extortion attributed to the suspect.
