Four foreign vessels illegal fishing in the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been seized by authorities.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), on Monday, said the seized four fishing vessels have been brought under the custody of the Coastguard.

The boats, as per MNDF, were seized during an operation conducted based on a tip provided by ADh. Mahibadhoo’s fishing vessel, ‘Asuruma’.

Foreign vessels frequently enter the Maldivian territory to illegally fish – a pertinent complaint of local fishermen. Some of such vessels are often to reported authorities by local fishermen.