Two Men Sentenced for House Break-in and Safe Theft in Male’

Two men have been sentenced to prison for breaking into a house in Male’ and stealing a safe while the owner was away for Fajr prayers.

The Prosecutor General’s Office charged the men with unlawful entry, theft, and property damage. The defendants are Ismail Saif, 39, of Habibihep, R. Alifushi, and Ali Nimal of Ma. Delhi, Male’ City. Court records show Saif has multiple prior criminal offences.

The case was filed in October last year, and the Criminal Court delivered its verdict on the final working day before the court’s recess.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty and claimed they did not know each other. Nimal stated he only met Saif after being arrested in connection with the case. Neither defendant presented evidence in their defence.

The prosecution submitted CCTV footage showing the men climbing over the boundary wall, at one point standing on each other’s shoulders to gain access to the property. One of the men was disguised with a wig and scarf.

Inside the home, the pair stole a safe containing more than MVR 300,000 and USD 3,000.

Saif was sentenced to two months and 12 days in prison for unlawful entry, while Nimal received three months. Both men were sentenced to one year, seven months and six days for theft and were ordered to repay the unrecovered cash, including the USD 3,000, within one year.

For property damage, each was sentenced to one month and six days and required to pay MVR 9,300 in compensation within a year.