Seven Bangladeshi nationals trafficked to Indonesia are currently being held captive by a trafficking ring, where they are facing both physical and mental abuse. According to their families, the traffickers are using videos of the torture to pressure them into paying large sums of money as ransom.
Family sources report that the victims had all been working together at a furniture company in Malaysia. On April 19, they left their workplace and stayed in Malaysia until April 22. That evening, between 7 and 8 PM, they began their journey to Indonesia. They are now believed to be in an unknown location in the country, having traveled through various routes.
According to the families, the traffickers claimed it takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the Indonesian border from their current location. After being trafficked, the victims were kept on a bus for five days. Initially, no money was demanded, but the traffickers later began making regular demands for ransom.
At times, the victims were not allowed to contact their families for five to seven days. Their phones were confiscated, and during any communication, the traffickers recorded the conversations on camera while closely monitoring the interactions.
Reports indicate that the physical abuse began on May 17. The traffickers have been calling the victims’ families, threatening them with further abuse unless they send money. Families of at least two victims confirmed they are under increasing pressure to pay.
The victims have been identified as Sajidur Rahman Shuvo, Shanto, Murad, Naim, Yusuf, and two others—all of whom worked for the same furniture company.
It is believed that on April 29, a trafficker named Iqbal, who is from Pirojpur, Bangladesh, received them in Indonesia. Another trafficker, Mahbub, has been contacting families for ransom, threatening them with violence if the money isn’t paid. His WhatsApp number is: +62 859-4036-2645.
Another trafficker, Ashiq, has claimed to be the ringleader. He told the victims they would be sent to Australia by boat before Eid. However, one victim who could not afford to pay will be left behind. The remaining six are to be sent with the traffickers’ associates, and Ashiq’s brother is expected to receive them in Australia. Ashiq also demanded that each family pay 400,000 BDT (approx. USD 3,400) by May 28.
The families of the victims are urgently calling for government intervention and have appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment to take immediate action.