Six Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested Over Fake Work Permit Scam in Maldives

Six Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in the Maldives for allegedly defrauding multiple foreign nationals and laundering money through a fake work permit scheme.

The arrests, which were carried out in December, were confirmed by the Maldivian police in a statement on Sunday. The suspects have been identified as Habeebur Rahman, 35; Afjal Hossain, 31; Mohamed Emon Kazi, 32; Mohamed Haneef Bapari, 46; Kazi Raihan, 22; and Mohamed Yousuf Prodhan, 35.

The police stated that the suspects are under investigation for operating in the Maldives in violation of work permit regulations, deceiving foreign nationals by promising to arrange work permits, and engaging in money laundering.

Mohamed Emon Kazi, Kazi Raihan, and Mohamed Yousuf Prodhan were arrested on 22 December, while Afjal Hossain and Habeebur Rahman were arrested on 23 December. Mohamed Haneef Bapari was taken into custody on 30 December.

Following their arrests, the court extended the remand of Kazi Raihan and Mohamed Yousuf Prodhan by 15 days on 12 January, Mohamed Haneef Bapari by 15 days on 15 January, Mohamed Emon Kazi by 10 days on 22 January, and Afjal Hossain and Habeebur Rahman by 15 days on 23 January.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.