Indian man involved in human trafficking network arrested in Maldives

An Indian man involved in human trafficking in the Maldives and overseas has been arrested by the Maldives Police Service.

Venkataramana Palla, 20, was arrested from a guesthouse in Malé City on March 17th. He was arrested based on a report received by the Police, and has since been remanded for 15 days upon being presented to a remand hearing.

In the order to remand Palla, it was noted that he has fled from his sponsor. Further, it noted that there was enough evidence to suspect him of attempted human trafficking or being part of such an act.

The court order further stated that it is possible that this is an organised network of human traffickers active in the Maldives and overseas, in a way that involves different crimes as well.