Seven expats involved in wide-scale prostitution ring arrested

Authorities have arrested seven expatriates involved in a wide-scale prostitution ring in the Maldives; that includes five females accused of prostitution and two males acting as their agents.

Maldives Immigration in a post on X said it conducted a special operation in collaboration with Maldives Police Service earlier in November.

The law enforcement authorities arrested these individuals through its investigation into five different cases. Immigration has since publicized the identities of these individuals, who are:

• Suphatson Phukhao, Thailand (21 years)
• Thabo Tsakani Maake, South Africa (42 years)
• Hasifah Namakula, Uganda (36 years)
• Asma Khatun, Bangladesh (36 years)
• Mamum, Bangladesh (36 years)
• Jahirul Islam, Bangladesh (37 years)
• Zaira Ataeva, Russia (38 years)

Out of the seven individuals, three – including Thabo, Hasifah, and Zaira – have already been deported while the rest are in detention and awaiting deportation.

The current administration has launched a nationwide crackdown on irregular immigrants and foreigners involved in businesses conducted illegally. These include the regular raids on potential locations suspected of operating prostitution rings or activities.