A 39-year-old Bangladeshi national, Saiful Islam, has been extradited from Brazil to the United States to face charges over an international human smuggling operation.

Mr Islam is expected to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate in Laredo following his extradition, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. 

In a statement on Monday by the DOJ, prosecutors alleged that the suspect played a key role in a transnational network that smuggled migrants from San Paolo, Brazil, and other locations through South America, Central America and Mexico to reach the United States.

Court documents claimed Mr Islam facilitated the movement of migrants from locations including São Paulo, coordinating routes across multiple countries before directing them to the U.S. southern border.

Migrants were reportedly instructed to enter the United States illegally, including by crossing the Rio Grande River or scaling border fences.

The suspect faces several charges, including conspiracy to bring undocumented migrants into the United States, transporting migrants for financial gain, and encouraging unlawful entry. 

Mr Islam, if convicted, faces a minimum prison term of between three and five years for some charges, and up to 15 years for others.