Police Arrest Three and Restrict Travel for Four in Connection with Velana Airport Robbery

The Maldives Police Service has arrested three additional suspects and imposed travel restrictions on four individuals in connection with the robbery that occurred at Velana International Airport on 27 October.

Police identified the newly arrested suspects as 27-year-old Abdulavval Ibrahim Aboobakuru from Bina, Gaafu Alif Vilingili; 44-year-old Ahmed Maahidh from Eheevaage, Thaa Vilufushi; and 21-year-old Ali Afzal from Vashagulimaage, Seenu Hithadhoo. According to police, Abdulavval was arrested last Sunday, Maahidh on Tuesday, and Afzal the following day. The identities of those subject to travel restrictions have not been disclosed.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The Criminal Court has ordered Ali Afzal to remain in custody until his trial concludes. The other two suspects were initially remanded for three days and later ordered to be detained until the completion of their hearings.

Police stated that five vessels and 20 locations in Malé have been searched as part of the ongoing investigation.

These latest arrests bring the total number of suspects detained in relation to the case to seven. Four individuals were arrested on the day of the incident: 25-year-old Maazin Moosa from Reysham, Laamu Maavah; 20-year-old Ahmed Raihaan Naeem from M. Chorus, Malé; 24-year-old Ibrahim Anoof from Alivilaage, Kaafu Guraidhoo; and 30-year-old Husain Shahudh, also from Alivilaage, Kaafu Guraidhoo. Police also recovered the speedboat allegedly used by the suspects to escape the scene.

The robbery took place in the early hours of 27 October, when a group of masked individuals reportedly threatened two bank employees and stole a suitcase containing cash as they walked through the passageway linking the old terminal with the newly opened Terminal 1. The incident was reported to police at around 4:45 a.m.

A police spokesperson said at the time that no officers were escorting the bank staff, as no prior request for security had been made.

Police refused to disclose the total amount stolen or the identity of the bank involved. They also failed to comment on whether any amount has been recovered. However, according to local media reports, the staff were employees of the Bank of Maldives (BML) and the stolen amount is believed to exceed USD 100,000.