Four Uzbekistan women and a Maldivian man have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in prostitution at an apartment in Hiyaa Tower, Hulhumalé Phase II.

Maldives Police Service said the arrests were made during an operation conducted on Saturday night at around 9:49 pm, following a tip-off alleging prostitution for profit involving foreign nationals, as well as the possession and use of drugs.

A Maldivian man, Hussain Solah, 40, from Cuba, R. Rasgetheemu, was detained along with four Uzbek nationals:

Police said all five suspects were arrested during a court-authorised search of an apartment in Hiyaa Tower 12, which is believed to be the scene of the alleged offences. Investigators suspect Solah and Dejuraeva were leading the operation.

During the search, police seized more than USD 19,100 and MVR 18,000 in cash from the apartment.

Solah and Dejuraeva have been remanded in custody for 10 days, while the remaining three women were remanded for five days.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.