Bangladeshi National Charged with Human Trafficking in Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan: A 43-year-old Bangladeshi man has been charged in the High Court for offences related to human trafficking. Investigations by the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, Royal Brunei Police Force revealed that the defendant, Mahedi Hasan, allegedly trafficked three Bangladeshi victims into Brunei Darussalam between 2018 and 2019, through deception for the purpose of forced labour.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the defendant faced two charges under Section 4 of the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004, for offences occurring in 2018, before the enforcement of the current Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230. The prosecution also preferred one charge under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230 for a similar offence committed in 2019.

The defendant pleaded not guilty. The court has adjourned the case to 24th March 2025 for trial dates to be set. If convicted, the defendant faces a fine of up to $1,000,000, imprisonment for up to 30 years, and whipping under the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004. Additionally, under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230, he could face a minimum fine of $10,000 for each trafficked victim.