Two officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and three minors are accused of being involved in a case where a person was kidnapped, coerced into selling drugs and had their finger amputated.

Chief Superintendent of Maldives Police Service (MPS), Head of Major Crime Investigation Hassan Shifau revealed that an individual was held against his will inside a house in the capital Malé City, threatened, forced to engage in drug trafficking, physically assaulted, severely beaten and had one of his fingers amputated.

This is to have been going on from 25 May 2024 to 25 June 2024.

Shifau stated that the matter was reported to the police on duty at Hulhumalé Hospital at noon on June 25, when a severely injured person was brought to the hospital.

The victim in the case is a 30-year-old Maldivian man.

Upon examination, it was clear that he had suffered from severe physical injuries.

Shifau said that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case including Ali Saamee, 24 and native to Kandholhudhoo island of Raa atoll, Ahmed Saaif Waheed, 18 and native to Gadhdhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Mohamed Naushan Hussain, 21 and native to Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, Mohamed Nafaah, 23 and native to Maafushi island of Kaafu atoll and Ahmed Zayaan, 24 and native to Gan island of Laamu atoll.

Zayan and Nafaah are employed at MNDF.

According to police, out of the five suspects, four have been remanded pending sentencing by the Criminal Court. The remaining suspect was remanded until the investigation concludes; Nafaah.

The police institution revealed that three minors under 18 are also involved in the case.

Shifau confirmed that Nafaah and Zayan are currently employed at MNDF.

Shifau said that Saamee, Saaif, and Naushan are known drug users, while the other two individuals are known to be involved in criminal activities.

Shifau stated that based on their investigation so far, it appears that this incident is related to drug transactions, with the victim reportedly being exploited for drug trafficking activities.

He also stated that equipment used for drug trafficking was found in the apartment.