Police Seek Interpol Assistance in Locating Missing Man

Authorities in the Maldives have applied for an Interpol yellow notice in their search for a man who vanished after visiting a sandbank in K. Atoll two weeks ago. 

Thasleem Mohamed, 43, from M. Asaree Handhaan, K. Male’, was last seen on August 30, following a trip to a sandbank south of Huvafen Fushi resort.

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In a statement released yesterday, marking two weeks since his disappearance—police confirmed their request for an Interpol yellow notice, an international alert designed to locate missing persons.

Thasleem had travelled to the sandbank on August 29 with a group of 27 others, including two children, aboard a speedboat from the southern harbour of Male’ City. The trip, organised to celebrate a birthday and an engagement, saw Thasleem attend as a friend of the organisers. He had also been tasked with setting up the backdrop and managing lighting and electrical work for the event. Another group of 12 people was also present on the sandbank.

According to police, Thasleem was last seen between 07:45 and 09:00 on the morning of August 30. Those with him reported that he had expressed a desire to return to Male’. When they sought him out to board a speedboat back to the capital, departing between 10:00 and 11:00 am, they discovered he was missing. After checking with his family and learning he had not returned on another boat, the group initiated a search.

Despite extensive searches of both the sandbank and the surrounding 943,998-square-metre water area, authorities have found no trace of Thasleem.

Police have interviewed both groups present on the sandbank and have conducted searches of the two speedboats involved. In addition, they have begun forensic analysis of Thasleem’s phone and laptop. Searches have also been conducted at locations in Male’ that he frequented. Thasleem, originally from Male’, had been residing in Hulhumale’ Phase I and was employed by the Male’ City Council.

Interpol yellow notices are used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to assist in locating missing persons, including those who may be victims of parental or criminal abductions or unexplained disappearances.