13 kidnapped Bangladeshi migrants rescued in Tripoli, Syrian suspect arrested

Libya’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency – East Tripoli Branch announced the rescue of 13 Bangladeshi migrants who had been held captive at a location in the capital, Tripoli. A Syrian national was arrested on charges of kidnapping the migrants and extorting their families for ransom in exchange for their release. The suspect was later referred to the Public Prosecution, which ordered his pretrial detention pending investigation.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the agency said the operation was launched after the Investigation and Arrest Unit at the East Tripoli Migrant Detention Center received information about a criminal network kidnapping newly arrived migrants and blackmailing their relatives into paying ransom.

The agency said investigators immediately launched preliminary inquiries, gathered intelligence, and tracked the case, leading to the identification of both the location where the victims were being held and the identity of the suspect.

After obtaining authorization from the Public Prosecution, officers raided the site, rescued the 13 Bangladeshi migrants, and arrested the Syrian suspect while he was present at the location.

According to the agency, the suspect confessed during questioning after being confronted with the evidence and findings of the preliminary investigation. His statements were officially documented, legal procedures were completed, and he was referred to the Public Prosecution, which ordered that he remain in custody pending further investigation.