Several individuals have been arrested in connection with a raid on a spa being operated in the congested capital, Malé City.
Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that a location under the name Sara Saloon and Spa operating in Henveiru ward of the capital city was searched under a court order.
Five individuals were arrested as part of the raid.
The operation was conducted on November 5.
The operation stemmed from an intel report.
One Maldivian man and four women native to Thailand were arrested as part of the operation.
It is suspected that the spa may have been involved in prostitution-related activities.
Arrested were Mohamed Imran, 42, and native to Kanduhulhudhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, Salinee Yamdee, 30, Chayanit Pila, 30, Wilaipon Kotwong, 24, and Thipsudha Sangam, 33.
Upon being presented to the Criminal Court for a remand hearing, Sangam was remanded for a period of 15 days, and the other four were given seven days behind bars.
Further investigations are currently underway in connection with the case.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent such illegal activities.
