Ye Ye packet smuggling: MVR 3.86M suspects remanded for 10 days

The Criminal Court on Saturday ordered a 10-day remand for six Bangladeshi nationals arrested over an attempt to smuggle foreign currency worth MVR 3.86 million out of the Maldives.

Police said the men were detained at Velana International Airport (VIA) while attempting to travel to Bangladesh with large amounts of foreign currency hidden inside packets of Ye Ye brand cereal.

The cash seized from them included USD 174,161, EUR 56,760, and GBP 1,815, with a total value exceeding MVR 3.8 million.

Those arrested in connection with the case are:

• MD Shahin Mia (46) – Bangladesh  

• MD Mohiddin Chowdhury (28) – Bangladesh  

• Ajgar Mirida (37) – Bangladesh  

• Mohamed Abdullah (38) – Bangladesh  

• Rajib (31) – Bangladesh  

• Mohamed Mainudin Solah (35) – Bangladesh  

All six remain in custody, and the case is under investigation.

The number of foreigners arrested for illegally possessing and trading foreign currency has been rising in recent months.

Earlier this week, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan said expatriates have been opening street shops under Maldivian names and operating them as illegal dollar-exchange points.