Two arrested in prostitution bust in Thinadhoo

Police have last night arrested two individuals from a residence in GDh. Thinadhoo after finding them engaged in sexual activity. 

Police said that they had conducted the operation after receiving intelligence reports of prostitution at the residence. Police entered the residence at 11:30pm last night, where they caught the two in the act. 

The two arrested are a 52 year old Maldivian man and a 39 year old Thai woman. 

When presented for their remand hearing, the Court released the man on bail, but placed the woman in remand in custody for four days, Police said. 

Widespread rumours suggest prostitution operations in high-population islands are disguised as massage parlours, with some businesses promoting expatriate women on social media using photos and contact numbers. 

Recently, Maldives Immigration cracked down on several such operations. These operations led to the arrest of Maldivians, as well as the deportation of expatriates engaged in prostitution.