"The strategic geographic location of the Maldives positions it at a heightened risk for transnational crimes, and as a transit point for money laundering, drug trafficking, and human trafficking," a damning new report by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering warned, flagging the absence of a national strategy, zero terrorism financing convictions, and the overturning of the only asset confiscation order. The report identified political interference as a "key vulnerability" undermining prosecutions and criticised the prevalence of illegal money changers and hawala operations as well as the lack of oversight of the real estate sector, and "no systematic monitoring" of non-profits. A national risk assessment completed in 2022 has never been made public.
The housing ministry announced reduced rates for Fahi Dhirulhun flats to be allocated under the Gedhoruveriyaa housing scheme. The security deposit for three-bedroom apartments was lowered from MVR 25,000 (US$ 1,621) to MVR 8,000, while the monthly rent, including maintenance fees, was cut from MVR 10,500 to MVR 10,000. For two-bedroom apartments, the security deposit was reduced from MVR 15,000 to MVR 6,000, and the combined rent and maintenance fee lowered from MVR 8,000 to MVR 7,000. For applicants who have already paid the initial downpayment, the difference will be deducted from their rent over the first few months, the ministry said.
The national airline Maldivian announced direct flights to Melbourne, Australia for the first time. The move follows strong growth in tourist arrivals from Oceania. Australia is currently the 10th largest source market for the Maldives – up from 12th in 2024 – with 40,490 tourists as of December 16. The 11-hour seasonal service is to be launched in May 2026 in partnership with Luxury Escapes exclusively for the travel agency's customers.
The civil court ordered former MP Alhan Fahmy's family company to repay more than MVR 500,000 to an investor. The claimant sought to recover unpaid returns and legal costs from King's Capital, a forex trader owned by Alhan and his brother Shahuban Fahmy, who are accused of operating a Ponzi scheme and taking millions from local investors.
A man found dead at sea near Gulhifalhu was identified as Cheng Jia, a 38-year-old Chinese national who fell into the water while attempting to board a speedboat from a barge outside Hulhumalé at 12:48pm on Thursday. The people on the speedboat had tried to rescue him but lost sight of the man. The Coast Guard was alerted and located his body about 45 minutes later.
Real estate and investment management firm JLL advised on the US$ 57.5 million sale of the Barcelo Whale Lagoon resort from the Colombo Stock Exchange-listed Browns Investments to ASB Hotel Properties Maldives.
A boat travelling near Kaafu Guraidhoo caught a six-foot crocodile and handed it over to the MNDF, which planned to set the reptile loose outside Maldivian territorial waters.
The Housing Development Corporation sought developers for "mixed luxury residential buildings" in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
At a ceremony held to present awards to the winners of the National Literary Competitions, President Muizzu pledged to introduce special arrangements next year to "support publication of books by Dhivehi authors and launch a national competition to produce children’s short films focusing on language, culture, history and heritage."
