KOCHI: The arrest of suspected mastermind Bilal on Thursday night has opened new leads in the sex trafficking case, with investigators now probing alleged links between the racket, criminal gangs and suspects believed to be operating from Dubai.
Police said he allegedly played a crucial role in identifying women for the trafficking network and facilitating their transportation to Dubai and other Gulf countries.
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the accused were part of a larger crime network involved in human trafficking activities. “These individuals lure models and others into such traps and receive commissions ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for each person brought to the racket,” he said.
Sources said the police have also launched a detailed probe into the financial transactions between Bilal and Sindhu, the main accused who was arrested from Mumbai while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
The commissioner said the investigation had widened and further details could not be revealed at this stage. However, he confirmed that police had received calls from a few more victims and that efforts were under way to verify the credibility of the claims.
The commissioner said efforts were also being made to bring two suspects — Shamla and Rahmath — believed to be in Dubai to Kerala for further questioning.
Police believe their interrogation could provide further insight into the trafficking network and the extent of its operations.