KUALA LUMPUR: Two Bangladeshi women, believed to be victims of sex exploitation, were rescued following a raid in the city.
The raid, conducted on Monday (Nov 18), saw Immigration officers rescuing the women, aged 30 and 34, who are believed to have been forced into prostitution, and detaining four Bangladeshi men.
The Immigration Department stated on Tuesday (Nov 19) that the 36-year-old Bangladeshi man detained is believed to be the mastermind behind the syndicate.
"Two other men were syndicate members, while the last suspect was a 50-year-old customer," the department said.
The syndicate's modus operandi involves bringing foreign women, particularly from Bangladesh, to Malaysia with promises of legitimate jobs and monthly salaries of RM2,000.
"The foreign women, upon arrival, are transported to a location for lodging and then to another place for sexual activities.
"The victims are forced to work day and night to satisfy customers, mainly foreign men," the department explained.
The victims received no salary and were only provided with food and drinks.
"The two women have been exploited since last month," it added.
The victims were identified using the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0.
"We will continue with such operations and take stern action against those involved in migrant smuggling or exploitation.
"We also urge those with information to contact the department so that human trafficking and smuggling of migrants can be curbed," it said.
