Eighth Suspect Arrested in Velana Airport Robbery Case

The Maldives Police Service has arrested an additional suspect in connection with the robbery at Velana International Airport (VIA) in the early hours of 27 October 2025, bringing the total number of people detained in the case to eight.

Police said Ismail Sirhan, 30, from Meezaan, R. Maduvvari, was arrested on 13 January under a court order. When presented before the court to determine his remand status, the court ordered that he be detained for 30 days. All eight suspects arrested in connection with the case remain in custody as investigations continue.

The robbery occurred at around 4:45 am when a group of masked individuals threatened two bank employees and stole a suitcase containing cash as the employees attempted to enter the airport’s newly opened Terminal 1. Police previously said no police escort was present at the time, as the bank had not requested security in advance.

Earlier in the investigation, authorities arrested Maazin Moosa, 25, from Reysham, L. Maavah; Ahmed Raihaan Naeem, 20, from M. Chorus, Malé; Ibrahim Anoof, 24, from Alivilaage, K. Guraidhoo; and Husain Shahudh, 30, from Alivilaage, K. Guraidhoo. The court remanded all four for five days pending further investigation.

Police previously confirmed that the speedboat used by the suspects to flee the scene was recovered and placed in police custody. 

The police still have not disclosed the total amount of money stolen or the identity of the bank involved. Moreover, police still have not disclosed any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen money. According to media reports, over USD 100,000 was stolen from two staff of Bank of Maldives (BML).