Chennai: In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key absconding accused in a human trafficking case involving the illegal transportation of Sri Lankan nationals into India on the false promise of employment in Canada.
The accused, Mohammed Ibrahim, was apprehended on February 28 from Chennai in a coordinated operation with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Tamil Nadu Police. He was carrying non-bailable warrants and is the ninth accused arrested in the case. The NIA had originally registered the case (RC-17/2021/NIA/DLI) on July 13, 2021, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Foreigners Act, and the Passport Act.
According to the NIA, Ibrahim played a crucial role in trafficking Sri Lankan nationals in two separate instances from Mandapam in the Thoothukudi seashore area. He then facilitated their movement to various locations in Karnataka via road and rail. His actions were part of a sophisticated human trafficking network that employed a specific modus operandi—smuggling victims from mid-sea onto small boats before transporting them to holding areas via land routes.
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The case originated from an investigation initiated in Karnataka following raids at guest houses in Mangaluru, where authorities discovered Sri Lankan citizens without valid documentation. The probe uncovered an extensive human trafficking syndicate, allegedly orchestrated by a man named Eesan, who is believed to have links with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
So far, the NIA has charge-sheeted 10 accused in the case, including Ibrahim and another absconding individual, Imran Hajiyar. While eight suspects had already been arrested, Ibrahim’s apprehension marks a significant step in dismantling the illicit network. Authorities continue to investigate and trace the remaining accused.
