Detention of Indian man accused of money laundering extended by 10 days

The Criminal Court has extended the remand of a young Indian national with a history of frequent travel into Maldives with next-day departures, who was detained by local authorities over money laundering allegations.

Abdul Ragub Nistar Haleem Rahman, 27, was detained carrying a large amount of US dollars from the airport by Maldives Customs Service and later transferred to the custody of the police.

He was presented before the Criminal Court in Male’ for an extension to his remand on Monday.

At the hearing, Rahman’s lawyer reiterated his claim that that the money his client was carrying was obtained through legitimate means, and that the police failed to provide any evidence related to the allegation of money laundering.

While the police declined to specify the amount of cash found in Rahman’s possession, citing that it was the subject of an ongoing investigation, they said that he was detained while carrying a large amount of US dollars, and that the police found documents suggesting the money was handed to him by multiple other persons.

The police also said Rahman was carrying two different passports in his name.

Judge Ibrahim Zihuny extended Rahman’s remand by 10 days, citing his suspicious travel history.

He also instructed the police to clarify the source of the money he was found carrying.