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A Biman Bangladesh Airlines ground officer has been arrested for allegedly assisting three passengers in traveling to Italy with fake Schengen visas. Mohammad Akhlasur Rahman was detained in Jamalpur on Tuesday, according to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The passengers initially cleared immigration using boarding passes for a Nepal-bound flight, although their names were not on that flight's manifest. CID investigations, including analysis of CCTV footage from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, revealed that after clearing immigration, the passengers exited through a staff-only gate. Outside the terminal, they received Italy-bound boarding passes, air tickets, and fake Schengen visas from a vehicle.

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At one stage, they entered a washroom that was outside CCTV coverage and attached the fake Schengen visas to their passports.

Upon returning to the terminal, they completed immigration formalities using the Nepal-bound passes. CID investigators found footage showing Akhlasur Rahman assisting the passengers after immigration clearance. He allegedly allowed them to pass the final security checkpoint, the INS gate, despite the discrepancies. The passengers reportedly paid a syndicate Tk 30 lakh for the trip, with Tk 20 lakh paid in advance each.

Two of the passengers were later detained in Rome after immigration authorities detected the fake visas. A third passenger successfully entered Italy. The CID has identified three suspects in the case, including another Biman official, and plans to make further arrests as the investigation progresses. The probe aims to extend beyond brokers and recruiting agencies.

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Their immigration had already been completed using Nepal boarding passes. The only remaining hurdle was the INS gate. Akhlasur was there, and with his assistance they managed to board the Italy-bound flight.