Indian National Arrested in Maldives on Money Laundering Charges

An Indian national has been arrested in the Maldives on charges of money laundering and remanded in custody for five days by the Criminal Court.

The individual, identified as Abdul Ragub Nistar Haleem Rahman, was detained after a significant sum of US dollars was discovered in his possession. Authorities report that Rahman was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origins of the funds. His frequent trips to the Maldives, followed by his departure the following day, also raised concerns, according to the court’s remand order.

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While the exact amount of money found on Rahman has not been disclosed, police allege that documents in his possession suggest the funds were given to him by others. Additionally, he had reportedly altered his name on his passport, further heightening suspicion.

The court order noted that Rahman had been initially held by Maldives Customs and later transferred to police custody following the filing of criminal charges. His defence team contested the legality of his arrest, arguing that Rahman was brought before the court 24 hours after his detention, contrary to proper legal procedures. However, police maintain that he was presented in court within the required timeframe.

The court clarified that both Customs and Maldives Immigration possess the authority to detain individuals without criminal charges. Rahman’s continued detention is justified by the seriousness of the accusations, his failure to account for the funds, and concerns regarding his travel patterns.

Rahman’s defence lawyers assert that the money found in his possession is legitimate and argued that the police have yet to produce any concrete evidence to substantiate the money laundering charges. They have called for his release under strict conditions.