Convicted man among suspects in MVR 4 million theft case

One of the individuals arrested in connection with the theft of MVR 4 million from an apartment in Malé has previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The Maldives Police Service confirmed on Sunday the identities of four suspects arrested in relation to the theft at Nalahiya Residence on Majeedhee Magu. Of the total amount taken, MVR 50,000 has been recovered.

Among those arrested is Ismail Asif (36), of Daarul Avval, R. Maduvvari. He was sentenced by the Criminal Court in September 2022 to 10 years’ imprisonment.

According to information obtained, the stolen funds belonged to a businessman from Maduvvari who operates several shops in Malé. The businessman is a relative of Asif, and the apartment where the theft occurred is his residence.

A source familiar with the case stated that the theft took place while the residents were abroad. Asif had been staying at the residence at the time.

It is not clear whether Asif’s sentence was pardoned or suspended. Following his release, he was arrested again in April last year in connection with an incident involving his brother. He was later released after the case was withdrawn.

The 2022 conviction relates to a 2019 incident aboard the vessel ‘Jaree’ near AA. Maalhos. According to case details, Asif attacked Ismail Hammad during an argument and pushed him into the sea. Hammad later reached shore and received treatment for injuries.

In that case, Asif was charged with assault using a weapon with intent to cause bodily harm. The case was prosecuted by the Prosecutor General’s Office Maldives.