Police in Lilongwe have arrested two notorious human trafficking kingpins, Rizwan Farook Akbar and Bahar Samstudin Sarker.
The suspects are accused of trafficking Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals through Kamuzu International Airport en route to South Africa.
The arrests took place on Friday, January 16 2026.
Reports say some public officers and politicians rushed to Sarker’s residence in an attempt to block the arrests, but police successfully detained both men.
Sarker, a South African national of Bangladeshi origin, has been living in Malawi without a permit.
Sources say he has been in the country solely to run human smuggling operations.
Police sources also allege that Sarker is involved in abductions and ransom activities within Malawi.
The arrests also included Thoko Jonas and Angella Mustska, who until recently were employed by the National Intelligence Services in Lilongwe.
Investigators say some government officials, airport security personnel, and politicians may be linked to the human smuggling network.
Police have not disclosed where the suspects are being held as investigations continue.
Authorities promise to pursue all leads and ensure justice, regardless of political connections.
This publication is monitoring the case and will report further developments, including any names linked to the smuggling cartel.
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