Dhaka: Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained five people, including two Bangladeshi expatriates in Libya, for their alleged involvement in taking Bangladeshis hostage and realising money from the family members of expatriates.

Major Fahim, a spokesman of RAB, said the arrestees extorted money from the expatriates’ family members holding them hostage in a room in Libya. They were arrested during overnight drives in Dhaka, Faridpur and Madaripur.

They also brutally tortured the innocent people for money saying, ‘Send money in our address, otherwise you will be killed subsequently’, he added.

The arrestees are Belal Matubbar, Antu Molla, Abdul Quddus, Noor Mohammad Dulal, and Ruhul Amin Khan Liton.

RAB also rescued a victim, Mohammad Mintu Ali Khan.