Home Minister Ali Ihusan has stated that foreign nationals have been found involved in the illegal buying and selling of foreign currency, including US dollars.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, Minister Ihusan said individuals earning US dollars are required to exchange the currency through banks or authorised outlets. However, police investigations have identified cases of individuals selling dollars to businesses without the required authorisation.

He said using proceeds from criminal activity for personal purposes could constitute money laundering.

Minister Ihusan also warned Maldivians against facilitating such activities, stressing that enforcement action would be taken against anyone found violating the law.

He added that Maldivians could face a MVR 50,000 fine for allowing foreign nationals to engage in such illegal activities on their premises.