Expat sentenced to three years in prison, fined MVR 75,000 for illegally bringing expats, money laundering
He initially arrived in the Maldives claiming to be recruiting foreign workers through an employment agency. However, he later began illegally representing various companies and private entities providing employment.
Expatriates in the Maldives
A foreign national has been sentenced to three years in prison and fined MVR 75,000 for illegally bringing foreigners into the Maldives and engaging in money laundering activities.
Shahadath Hossain, a Bangladeshi national, was sentenced in connection with the case.
He initially arrived in the Maldives claiming to be recruiting foreign workers through an employment agency. However, he later began illegally representing various companies and private entities providing employment.
The state filed multiple charges against Hossain, including money laundering, bribery, conducting activities requiring a permit without proper authorization, and creating fraudulent documents. Hossain confessed to the charges and reached an agreement with the state.
For the money laundering offense, he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and fined MVR 53,400. For the bribery charge, he received an additional six-month prison sentence and a fine of MVR 21,600.
The state asserted that Hossain had created fraudulent documents to facilitate the illegal entry of foreigners into the Maldives.
He used these documents to secure immigration quotas unlawfully.
In addition to this, it was revealed that the funds generated from these illicit activities were deposited into an account registered in his name.
Between 15 October 2019, and 15 October 2024, a total of MVR 8.2 million was deposited into his account as part of the illegal operation.
