Anti-drug arrests linked to MVR 70m in suspected money laundering

At least MVR 20 million has circulated through accounts linked to some of the individuals arrested on Sunday under Operation Alimagu, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The total amount moved through multiple accounts linked to the network is estimated to exceed MVR 70 million.

The Maldives Police Service launched Operation Alimagu in November last year to target drug trafficking and money laundering. The latest phase of the operation was carried out in Malé and Gaafu Alif Atoll on Sunday, resulting in four arrests on suspicion of drug smuggling. Police released the identities of those arrested the same day.

Sources confirmed to Atoll Times that the charges being investigated include money laundering. Police are reported to have monitored the suspects’ activities for several days prior to the arrests.

“Some of those arrested have more than MVR 20 million in their accounts, which does not align with their declared income,” a source said. “Across linked accounts, the total circulation exceeds MVR 70 million.”

The four men arrested, aged between 28 and 35, are:

Sources said Ahmed Anam Ibrahim and Ahmed Madhih were arrested in the Malé area, while the other two were detained in GA. Villingili.

Ahmed Anam Ibrahim holds the position of Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. It is not known whether the President’s Office has taken any action in relation to his arrest. The President’s Office was not available for comment at the time of publication.