Four more massage parlors shut down in Malé

Maldives Immigration today announced that an additional four massage parlors operating in Malé were shut down yesterday, and three foreign nationals who were in the country illegally have been taken into Immigration custody.

The agency confirmed that they inspected four massage parlors operating in Malé yesterday. The businesses operating in all four locations had their operations "immediately halted" by the Economic Ministry, and three foreign nationals found to be staying in the country in violation of regulations were brought under police and Immigration custody.

This action follows a previous operation conducted under the special task force targeting illicit businesses run by foreign nationals; last Tuesday night, four massage parlors were closed, and four other foreign nationals illegally residing in the country were taken into Immigration custody from those premises.

There are widespread accusations that many establishments registered as massage parlors in Malé are actually fronts for prostitution rings. These businesses are reportedly advertised openly on social media, often featuring foreign nationals seeking to earn large incomes. Although these establishments are typically registered under the names of Maldivian citizens, the effective control is ceded to the foreign nationals, who occupy various apartments across Malé to conduct prostitution, a growing issue in the capital.

These foreign individuals openly share their personal photos and mobile numbers on social media to advertise their illicit services. The proliferation of businesses operating as massage parlors but suspected of engaging in prostitution was a major concern raised by residents when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently met with the constituents of three wards of Malé.