Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested at Velana Airport Over MVR 3.8 Million Currency Smuggling Attempt

Maldives Police Service has arrested a group of Bangladeshi nationals who allegedly attempted to depart the country carrying foreign currency valued at more than MVR 3.8 million, authorities confirmed.

The arrests were made on Friday during an operation targeting individuals suspected of engaging in unauthorized foreign currency transactions, police said.

According to the police, the group was intercepted at Velana International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Bangladesh. A search of the suspects revealed they were carrying currencies from 18 different countries.

The seized funds included more than USD 174,000, EUR 57,000, and GBP 1,800, along with several other foreign currencies. Police confirmed that the combined value of the confiscated money exceeded MVR 3.8 million.

All members of the group remain in police custody, and the foreign currency has been seized as evidence pending further investigation.

The operation is part of a broader crackdown by Maldives Police on individuals suspected of trading foreign currency outside authorized channels. Authorities have recently detained a number of Bangladeshi nationals in connection with similar cases.