ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
27TH FEBRUARY 2025
“PUBLIC PROSECUTOR CHARGES BANGLADESHI NATIONAL FOR
HUMAN TRAFFICKING”
The Public Prosecutor today has brought charges against a 43-year-old Bangladeshi national for offences relating to human trafficking. The case was heard in the High Court before The Honourable Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Hjh Siti Mu’izzah binti Haji Sabli representing the Public Prosecutor.
Investigations by the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit of the 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 purposes of forced labour.
The Defendant was faced with 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 Section 5(1) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230 for a similar offence committed in 2019.
All charges were read to the Defendant, who confirmed his understanding and pleaded not guilty. The court has adjourned the case to 24 March 2025 for trial dates to be set.
If convicted, the Defendant faces a fine of up to BND$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 BND$10,000 per trafficked victim.
Authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to combat human trafficking, underscoring Brunei Darussalam's commitment to fighting exploitation and ensuring justice for victims.
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