4 arrested over airport dollar robbery

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the robbery of a Bank of Maldives (BML) money briefcase at Velana International Airport (VIA) early Monday morning.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 4:45 am on the walkway connecting the old terminal and the new terminal. Masked men reportedly carried out the robbery.

Police stated that reserve police security personnel were present at the scene at the time of the incident.

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan, writing on X, said the police had made progress in the investigation. He confirmed that the speedboat used in the crime had been recovered and four suspects had been arrested. The minister commended the police for their swift response to the case.

Sources confirmed to Atoll Times that the briefcase contained more than USD 100,000, which had been transported by BML to be issued to people departing the Maldives. The robbers reportedly seized the briefcase after threatening a staff member with a knife.

Police further clarified that no police security was involved in the process of withdrawing the money.