Six expats arrested for attempting to depart with undeclared foreign currency equivalent to MVR 3.86 million
19 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:08Police have launched an investigation following the arrest of six Bangladeshi nationals at Velana International Airport who were attempting to depart with currency from 18 different countries. According to authorities, the seized cash, which includes a significant amount of US Dollars and Euros, is valued at approximately 3.8 million MVR. This operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal smuggling of foreign currency out of the Maldives.
Foreign currency worth 3.86 million Rufiyaa discovered concealed inside cereal packets. | Maldives Police Service
Six Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested with approximately 3.86 million MVR in foreign currency during an operation conducted by a joint task force established to identify and take legal action against those involved in illegal foreign exchange trading.
The operation was conducted on September 18, 2026, following intelligence gathered by the task force.
Police reported on Saturday that six Bangladeshi nationals were arrested at Velana International Airport while attempting to depart for Bangladesh. Authorities further stated that a significant amount of foreign currency found in their possession has been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Furthermore, according to the details of the seized funds, police stated that the haul included currency from a total of 18 different countries.
The seized currency includes 174,161 US Dollars, 56,760 Euros, and 1,815 British Pounds. According to the police, the total value of the recovered funds amounts to approximately 3,861,415.29 Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Police are conducting a further investigation into the six Bangladeshi nationals arrested in connection with this case.
The government has stated that the severe dollar shortage and the subsequent surge in black market exchange rates are driven by the illegal smuggling of foreign currency out of the Maldives. This follows a Joint Task Force operation that successfully seized 3.86 million MVR worth of foreign currency. To address this issue, authorities are currently conducting a series of special operations aimed at curbing the illicit outflow of foreign exchange.
