Thasleem’s disappearance: Interpol yellow notice wasn't sought because MPS suspects int'l travel
Findings so far indicate that Thasleem was last spotted on the sandbank
Thasleem Mohamed and the sandbank he travelled to
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that the Interpol Yellow Notice to locate Thasleem Mohamed was not sought because authorities believe he had travelled abroad.
Thasleem Mohamed, 43, was reported missing on 30 August 2024.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Superintendent of Police Hassan Shifau revealed that efforts are still underway to locate Thasleem and that the operation has since been expanded.
As such, Shifau said they were searching the areas of the sandbank the group he travelled with, had gone to.
The Chief Superintendent added that findings so far indicate that Thasleem was last spotted on the sandbank.
He added that the Interpol yellow notice was sought as he was missing.
Earlier, the police institution revealed that they received a report about the disappearance of Thasleem, native to capital Malé City who went missing while on a trip to a sandbank south of Huvafenfushi island of Kaafu atoll, at around 01:30pm on 30 August 2024.
MPS commenced efforts to seek any information about him as soon as the case was reported and searched the sandbank where Thasleem is to have travelled to.
They have also shared information with the Marine Police and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.
The police diving team has also searched the waters surrounding the sandbank, in efforts to find him.
In addition to this, diving teams from MNDF have searched an area spanning 943,998 square meters between 31 August 2024 and 6 September 2024.
The statement goes on to read that the group of travelers departed from the southern harbor of the capital city, between 5pm and 05:30pm on 29 August 2024 and was headed to the sandbank.
Findings so far indicate that a total of two children and 25 adults, including Thasleem Mohamed, went on the trip.
Police probes show that the trip was planned to celebrate someone’s birthday and throw an engagement party.
Thasleem joined the trip to work on the electrical setup for the party's backdrop and lighting.
When Thasleem and the group arrived at the island, there were others present. Until 12am, Thasleem was active with other participants of the trip. After 12am, witnesses and some photos taken during the trip show that he was sleeping in the area where the group had set up tents.
Police have also obtained photos and videos showing Thasleem active with other trip participants the next morning, on 30 August 2024.
He was last seen on the island between 07:45am and 9am on 30 August 2024.
After Thasleem expressed his desire to return to Malé, the group attempted to make arrangements to send him on a speedboat departing between 10am and 11am that day. However, the group couldn’t find him and contacted the family to check if he had already returned on another speedboat. When the family confirmed that he hadn’t returned, the group is to have begun searching for him.
The police statement went on to read that they have questioned the people who went on the trip with him in connection with the case, as well as 12 other individuals who were on the island.
MPS has also begun forensic analysis of Thasleem's phone and laptop, and have searched the speedboat the group travelled in.
Additionally, the police have searched places in the capital region that Thasleem frequently visits.
MPS has met Thasleem’s family and shared the updates of their investigation with them.
The police institution assured the family that they would share information regarding the progress of the investigation.
