Police probe human trafficking, money laundering network
Police revealed further details based on evidence recovered from Shahadath’s mobile phone and laptop.
The Maldives Police Service is investigating a case involving alleged illegal recruitment of expatriate workers, criminal activity and money laundering. The case centres around a Bangladeshi national, Shahadath Hussain, as well as several immigration officials and members of the public.
Police have confirmed the arrest of Shahadath Hussain, aged 34, in connection with the case. The investigation into his involvement has been concluded, and the case has been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) for prosecution. Separate investigations are ongoing into the immigration officials and other individuals involved.
Chief Inspector Ahmed Azmath Abdulla, speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, stated that Shahadath was allegedly working with some immigration staff and Maldivian nationals to bring foreign workers into the country under false pretences.
According to police findings:
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Work permits were issued without genuine employment opportunities.
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Foreigners were charged for the permits, and the payments were deposited into accounts in Bangladesh.
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From October 2019 to 2024, over MVR 8 million was deposited into Shahadath’s bank accounts.
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MVR 1.6 million from his own account was paid through the Expat portal to cover work visa fees.
Shahadath had reportedly been living in the Maldives since 2014 without valid immigration status. He resided in Malé, renting a two-bedroom apartment for MVR 18,000. His last registered employment was listed as “office boy”, yet his employment documents and Expat system records listed a salary of USD 3,000. His work permit expired on 27 July of the previous year due to non-payment of required fees.
Police revealed further details based on evidence recovered from Shahadath’s mobile phone and laptop:
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Digital copies of work permit documents, including forged company registration logos and stamps, passport copies of foreign workers, and identity cards of Maldivian individuals.
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Browsing history related to the Expat system and work permit websites.
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Fake identification used for administrative access to government systems. These include: 153 IDs registered under private business names 7 under foreign company names 283 under private company names 126 under individual names 5 registered under partnerships
Six accounts in Shahadath’s name were opened at Bank of Maldives, including three in Maldivian Rufiyaa and three in US dollars.
According to Chief Inspector Azmath, some of the usernames, passwords and login credentials used for access to the eFaas and Expat systems may not have been created or obtained by Shahadath directly. Police suspect collaboration between him and individuals within the immigration department, as well as others in the community.
Investigations into these other parties are being treated as separate cases.
