Nine foreign nationals, including seven women and two agents, have been arrested in the Maldives on charges related to prostitution.

According to Maldives Immigration, the arrests were made during a special inspection conducted jointly with the police throughout October.

Five cases were investigated, involving nationals from various countries.

The deportation process has already begun, with five women and one man removed from the Maldives. The remaining three foreigners are currently awaiting deportation, which will prevent their reentry into the country.

Details of the individuals include:

- Case 1: Thi Hai Vu (27), deported on October 15.

- Case 2: Md Jalal (41) and Sumi Begum (35), both deported on October 12.

- Case 3: Miss Sookruthai Maneekare (33), deported on October 16.

- Case 4: Osarugue Steven (21) and Helen Osato Adagbonyin (36), deported on October 21.

- Case 5: Vo Thi Be Phuong (36) and Thi Thao Nhu Nguyen (23), scheduled for deportation.

Maldives Immigration is prioritizing measures to curb such illegal activities, with the government intensifying special operations in response to the increase in prostitution-related cases across the nation.