‘TRAFFICKING’ TO RUSSIA

UK slaps sanctions on Bangladeshi travel agency

UNB, Dhaka

The United Kingdom has announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia’s drone production network and groups, including a Bangladeshi travel agency, accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The new measures, published on May 5, target 35 individuals and organisations, including those linked to human trafficking operations and companies supplying components for Russia’s military drone industry.

Bangladesh’s Dream Home Travels and Tours Ltd is among the organisations facing sanctions.

The Daily Star made several attempts to contact the agency but could not reach officials over the phone.

The British High Commission in Dhaka said the sanctions relating to Bangladesh target the travel agency for allegedly deceiving and exploiting Bangladeshis to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

As part of the sanctions package, the UK is intensifying efforts to disrupt Russia’s military supply chains and networks accused of trafficking foreign migrants into the war effort.

The sanctions specifically target individuals involved in recruiting and transporting vulnerable migrants to fight on the frontlines in Ukraine on behalf of Russia, as well as firms supporting Russian drone factories.

British officials said the move reflects the UK’s continued commitment to increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin and supporting Ukraine in pursuit of a “just and lasting peace”.

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