A 30-year-old Bangladeshi national has been arrested and remanded in custody on allegations of human trafficking and forcing his wife into prostitution. The Criminal Court issued the detention order on Thursday night, authorizing the suspect to be held for a period of 10 days.

The individual, identified as Mohammed Nahidul Islam, was apprehended following accusations that he confined his wife in a room and coerced her into sex work. According to court documents, the victim provided a statement detailing the forced exploitation she suffered under the suspect’s control.

While Islam has denied the allegations in court, the Maldives Police Service submitted preliminary evidence suggesting his involvement in the crimes. The court noted that there was sufficient evidence to justify the remand while the investigation into the human trafficking charges continues.