Home Minister Ali Ihusan has stated that 12 foreigners are being investigated over suspected illegal dollar trading following information received through a police task force hotline.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, Minister Ihusan said nine of the 12 individuals have been taken into detention.

He said the cases were identified through information received about individuals trading US dollars illegally across various areas. He added that enforcement action would be taken against anyone found facilitating such activities, including Maldivians.

Minister Ihusan also warned that businesses and individuals found allowing foreigners to engage in illegal dollar trading would face action, stressing that previous failures to enforce relevant laws would not be repeated.