Police have arrested an expatriate at Velana International Airport (VIA) for operating an illegal foreign currency exchange.
According to authorities, the suspect—identified as Rafiqul Islam from Bangladesh—was detained yesterday after intelligence reports revealed he was offering unauthorized dollar sales near the resort counters at the airport.
Tourist Police officers found more than MVR 68,000, USD 1,700, and other foreign currencies in the suspect’s possession at the time of his arrest. Investigators also discovered that he had been residing in the Maldives without valid documentation.
Following his arrest, the court ordered that he be held in remand custody for 15 days while investigations continue.
Police noted that the case highlights the ongoing challenges with expatriates living and working illegally in the country. Recent figures from Maldives Immigration show that more than 8,000 expatriates have been deported in recent years.
Those deported include individuals without valid visas as well as those implicated in criminal activities. Authorities say stricter enforcement at key entry points, including airports, is part of a broader effort to tackle illegal residency and unlawful economic activity.
