Authorities seize USD 81,030 being smuggled out of Maldives

Authorities have seized USD 81,030 (MVR 1.2 million) that was being smuggled out of the Maldives.

Aviation Security Command in a post on social media platform X said that the cash was found hidden in the luggage of a Bangladeshi national who was flying from the Maldives to Dhaka.

The individual attempted to conceal the money in a box of cornflakes. Photos released by the authorities show the dollar bills with names of different people written on them.

Under Maldivian regulations, anyone entering or leaving the country with more than USD 20,000 must declare the amount at customs.

Since the current administration has come into power, it has doubled down on addressing the issue of undocumented expatriates living and conducting business illegally in the Maldives. As part of this operation, Immigration has detained and deported many expatriates working illegally in the country, including those involved in preparing and selling food in unsanitary conditions.