Frequent traveler detained over money laundering allegation

A young Indian national, with a history of frequent travel into Maldives with next-day departures, has been detained by local authorities over money laundering allegations.

Abdul Ragub Nistar Haleem Rahman, 27, was detained carrying a large amount of US dollars from the airport by Maldives Customs Service and later transferred to the custody of the police.

He was presented before the Criminal Court in Male’ for his remand hearing on Wednesday.

At the hearing, Rahman’s lawyer argued that his client was presented before the court for his remand after the 24-hour window provided by law had lapsed.

However, the police pointed out that he had initially been in custody of Customs, and was transferred to the custody of police following suspicion of a crime. The police said that Rahman was brought before the court within 24 hours after he was taken into police custody.

The lawyer also argued that the money Rahman was carrying was obtained through legitimate means, and that the police failed to provide any evidence related to the allegation of money laundering.

He asked the court to grant Rahman conditional release.

At the hearing, the police said that Rahman was detained while carrying a large amount of US dollars, and that the police found documents suggesting the money was handed to him by multiple other persons. The police also said they found evidence Rahman changed the name in his passport.

The judge decided to keep him detained based on the serious nature of the crime he is accused of, because of the uncertainty of the source of the money he was carrying, and because his travel history is suspicious.

The judge ordered for him to be remanded in custody of the police for five days, after Rahman said he has not had a change to meet privately with his lawyer.