Trial Begins for Suspects Accused in Velana Airport Robbery Case
The suspects have been remanded by the court for five days until further sentencing. | Photo: Police
The Criminal Court has begun the trial of six individuals accused in connection with the robbery at Velana International Airport, where masked assailants allegedly stole a briefcase containing cash from two Bank of Maldives (BML) staff members.
According to the court schedule, the trial began online this morning at 9 am for Maazin Moosa of Reysham, L. Maavah; 20-year-old Ahmed Raihaan Naeem of M. Chorus, Malé; 24-year-old Ibrahim Anoof of Alivilaage, K. Guraidhoo; 30-year-old Husain Shahudh of Alivilaage, K. Guraidhoo; Abdulavval Ibrahim Aboobakuru of Binaa, Ga. Villingili; and Ismail Siruhaan of Meenaaz, R. Maduvvari.
advertisement
The case relates to an incident on 27 October, when a group of masked individuals reportedly threatened two bank employees and seized a suitcase containing cash while they were walking through the passageway connecting the old terminal and the newly opened Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport. The incident was reported to police at around 4:45am.
Police previously stated that no officers were escorting the bank staff at the time, as no security request had been made prior to the transfer.
Authorities also recovered the speedboat allegedly used by the suspects to flee the scene, which was taken into police custody.
However, police have not disclosed the total amount of money stolen or the identity of the bank involved. Media reports have suggested that over USD 100,000 was taken from two BML employees. The whereabouts of the stolen cash also remain unconfirmed.
