Foreigner arrested on charges of holding wife captive, forcing her into prostitution
The Criminal Court has remanded a Bangladeshi national in custody for 10 days following his arrest on allegations of human trafficking and forcing his wife into prostitution. While the suspect, Mohamed Nahidul Islam, denied the charges in court, police presented sufficient evidence to justify his detention on the grounds of public safety. Authorities are currently conducting a further investigation into the serious allegations.
The area has been cordoned off with crime scene tape. | Maldives Police Service
A foreign national has been arrested and remanded in custody in the Maldives on charges of holding his wife captive and forcing her into prostitution.
The Criminal Court on Thursday ordered the remand of Mohammed Nahidul Islam, a Bangladeshi national, for 10 days on allegations of human trafficking.
The court cited sufficient evidence to support the allegations against the suspect as the basis for the detention order. According to the ruling, the evidence presented includes the incident report, police statements, and documentation pertaining to the victim.
Furthermore, the presiding judge ruled that the individual shall remain in custody, citing Article 49 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, along with Articles 59 and 60 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The court determined that the suspect poses a potential threat to public safety if released.
The court order did not specify the woman's nationality.
The hearing proceeded with the assistance of a translator and legal counsel, during which Nahidul denied all allegations brought against him.
However, in relation to this case, police informed the court that the victim had provided testimony alleging that Nahidul had kept her confined in a room and forced her into prostitution. The court order further noted that the couple was residing at G. Hurasfaru-3 at the time of the incident.
Police are investigating this matter as a serious case.
Police have noted a recent increase in the involvement of foreign nationals in such serious offenses.
