Indian arrested for money laundering

An individual from India, who frequently flies to the Maldives, has been arrested on charges of money laundering.

Criminal Court has yesterday placed him in remand in custody for five days.

The man, identified as Abdul Ragub Nistar Haleem Rahman was arrested after a large amount of dollars were found in his possession and his failure to explain how he came across the funds to the Police. It has also been noted that he frequently travels to the Maldives, only to fly out the following day, which was found questionable, his remand order states.

The court order does not specify the amount of dollars he was found in possession of.

"Police have said that a large amount of dollars were found in his possession. They stated that documents were found which indicated these dollars were handed over to him by other individuals. He has also been noted as a frequent visitor to Maldives, who then leaves the country the day after arrival," the court order said.

Police further allege that he had changed his name on his passport.

The Court order said that his legal representatives have claimed that he was taken for remand hearing 24 hours after arrest, and questioned the validity of procedures around his arrest. However, Police maintain that he had been presented at court within 24 hours of arrest.

The court order said that documents show he was initially held by Customs, and later transferred under Police arrest after he had criminal charges raised against him. It said that he had been presented in court before 24 hours passed since his arrest by Police.

The court highlighted that Customs has the authority to detain persons without criminal charges, as do Maldives Immigration.

Reasons for his detention are listed as standing accused of a major crime, failure to disclose how he had come across the funds in his possession, and questions raised in consideration of his travel history.

His defence lawyers, however, stated that the money found in his possession are legitimate funds. They said that police have not submitted any supporting evidence for the charges of money laundering raised against him. They appealed to the court to set strict conditions and release him from custody.