Immigration has reported that four massage parlors operating in Malé were inspected and searched, leading to four foreign nationals being taken into immigration custody.

Immigration stated today that as part of an ongoing taskforce operation to identify and inspect businesses operated illegally by foreigners, four massage parlors in Malé were searched last night.

"While four foreign nationals found to be residing illegally have been taken into Immigration custody, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has taken measures to halt the businesses operating in these four establishments by issuing notices," Immigration said.

As a significant number of prostitution rings operate in the Malé area under the guise of massage parlors, Immigration, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has previously closed down some such establishments and deported those involved in these illicit activities through similar operations.