Four illegally operating massage parlors have been shut down and four foreign nationals have been taken into immigration custody.

The Maldives Immigration on Wednesday announced that as part of an ongoing task force operation targeting establishments where foreign nationals are engaged in illegal business activities, four massage parlors in the capital Malé City were searched on Tuesday night.

During the operation, four foreign nationals found to be residing unlawfully were taken into custody.

Immigration added that the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has issued official notices halting the business operations of all four establishments.

The operation also included inspections of 11 additional locations in Malé City on Tuesday night, during which one more foreign national residing unlawfully was taken into immigration custody.

Immigration says it is conducting special operations with relevant authorities to identify and inspect establishments facilitating illegal business activities by foreign nationals, while continuing efforts to deport those residing in the country unlawfully.