Police probe family-linked bank accounts in GA. drug network
Police added that the network circulated more than MVR 300 million and over USD 400,000 (approximately MVR 6.1 million) during the period.
The Maldives Police Service is examining whether funds linked to a drug trafficking and money laundering case were circulated through bank accounts held by family members of the suspects, according to information obtained by Atoll Times.
Atoll Times understands that among the 53 bank accounts frozen under a court order are accounts held by parents and other family members connected to the four suspects arrested on Sunday in Gaafu Alif Atoll and the Malé region.
In a statement, police said MVR 38.8 million was transferred over five years through the account of a former political appointee linked to the case. Police added that the network circulated more than MVR 300 million and over USD 400,000 (approximately MVR 6.1 million) during the period. In total, 53 accounts belonging to 13 individuals have been frozen.
Police said the four men arrested are suspected of leading a network involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. They are:
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Ahmed Anam Ibrahim, 30, Aizan, GA. Villingili
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Shaffah Latheef, 28, Shevona, GA. Villingili
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Ahmed Madhih, 33, Musiciage, GA. Villingili
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Noorul Nizam, 35, Araairu, GA. Villingili
According to police, financial analysis over the past five years shows:
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MVR 17.2 million circulated through Ahmed Madhih’s bank accounts, while recorded salary deposits during the period totalled MVR 430,638.99
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MVR 38.8 million circulated through Ahmed Anam Ibrahim’s bank accounts, with salary deposits of MVR 271,874.32
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MVR 6.9 million circulated through Shaffah Latheef’s bank accounts, with salary deposits of MVR 371,635.36
Police said 19 individuals have been identified as being involved in drug trafficking and money laundering linked to the network, and investigations into all identified persons are ongoing.
