Officer suspended in probe into MVR 2 million sea cucumber theft

Maldives Police Service on Wednesday said a police officer has been removed from his investigative duties over alleged involvement in a case concerning the fraudulent transfer of sea cucumbers valued at MVR 2 million from a warehouse in Thilafushi.

The case was filed on 31 December last year, alleging that the warehouse owner had been deceived and that the items were transferred to another location on 29 December. On Tuesday, police announced a decision to auction the seized sea cucumbers.

A police spokesperson told Atoll Times that the officer, who was serving as an investigation officer, is suspected of involvement in the misappropriation of the items.

In a statement, police said the officer has been suspended from his investigative responsibilities in connection with the case. The Professional Standards Command has initiated an administrative investigation into the matter.

Police said the sea cucumbers were transported from Thilafushi to Malé and stored in two residential properties in Malé. Following searches conducted under court orders, the items were seized and taken into police custody.

The total weight of the seized items was 1,438 kilograms, including 787.35 kilograms classified as prohibited for export. Police said those involved in the trade were not licensed to process sea cucumbers under the Sea Cucumber Fisheries Planning and Management Regulations.

After the seizure, both the complainant and the accused claimed ownership of the items.