Police have apprehended five individuals in connection with an alleged prostitution ring operating under the guise of a spa in Male'.
Police have apprehended five individuals in connection with an alleged prostitution ring operating under the guise of a spa in Male'.
Acting on intelligence reports, the police raided the Sara Salon and Spa, located in Henveiru, which was reportedly being used as a front for illicit activities.
The individuals arrested include one Maldivian man and four Thai women. They are;
- Mohamed Imran, 42, Gaafu Alifu atoll Kanduhulhudhoo
- Salini Yamdee, 30
- Chayanit Pila, 30
- Vilaipon Kogwong, 24
- Thipsuda Sangham, 33
Police said that Thipsuda, one of the individuals arrested in the spa raid, was remanded for 15 days. The remaining four individuals were placed in remand for 7 days.
While multiple spas operate in the Male' area, many claim that these establishments often serve as fronts for prostitution. Some expatriates working in these spas reportedly share their photos and contact information on social media platforms.
Authorities conduct periodic operations to curb illegal activities at certain spas. As part of efforts to address the issue of undocumented expatriates, a special operation is underway targeting expatriate residences to identify those living in the country illegally.
In an operation on October 2, six individuals were arrested, and on October 15, a further seven were detained.
To date, over 4,000 undocumented expatriates have been deported as part of this ongoing initiative. Some expatriates have fled to other islands in attempts to evade authorities.