Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan has announced that from the moment an individual is imprisoned, they will no longer be provided with any telecommunication services in the Maldives.

Speaking at a session of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) congress, the Minister provided details on government efforts to curb scams and resolve the issue of contraband being smuggled into prisons.

Minister Ihusan stated that 153 operations have been conducted in prisons so far under the current administration to stop scam calls—such as fraudulent calls targeting citizens and fake GST collection calls—resulting in the cancellation of over 200 numbers. When the PNC assumed office, inmates were able to acquire phones and register numbers from inside prison.

"From the moment someone is imprisoned now, they will no longer receive services from Maldivian telecommunication providers, and numbers registered in their name will be blocked through legal frameworks," the Minister said, pointing out that checks revealed some inmates had approximately 50 numbers registered under their names.

Highlighting further security measures, the Minister noted that body scanners have been installed in a Maldivian prison for the first time, ensuring all duty officers and baggage undergo screening. He added that after physical smuggling routes were restricted, attempts were made to smuggle items using drones, and counter-drone equipment is currently being procured to ensure prisons pose no threat to the public.