NIA arrests deported human trafficking suspect at Bengaluru airport

The National Investigation Agency arrested a key suspect in a Sri Lankan human trafficking case at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after he was deported from Sri Lanka on November 13.

Details of the Arrest

The suspect, Pudumadam Imran, had been on the run and was detained abroad after the NIA requested an Interpol Red Notice against him. Investigators state he was part of a plot to traffic Sri Lankan nationals by promising them safe migration to Canada with valid papers.

Money and Origins

He allegedly took cash from the families of victims and moved the money through hawala channels to other accused people in India to help fund the illegal confinement and movement of the victims. The case goes back to 2021 when local police raided locations in Mangaluru and found several Sri Lankan citizens staying without valid papers.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The case was later transferred to the NIA in July 2021 under laws dealing with criminal conspiracy, human trafficking, cheating, and violations of the Foreigners Act and Passport Act. Two other absconding suspects in the same case were previously arrested in 2024 and 2025 and are currently facing trial at a special NIA court in Bengaluru.

Context

Interpol Red Notices help law enforcement agencies worldwide track and arrest fugitive suspects who flee across international borders to escape local prosecution. Human trafficking networks often exploit vulnerable individuals with false promises of overseas employment and migration, relying on illegal financial channels like hawala to move money undetected.