Police refuse to clarify whether stolen USD from BML heist have been recovered
Four suspects were arrested and a was speedboat seized in connection with the masked robbery at VIA
Public scrutiny over the BML heist has been deepening as authorities refuse to provide additional details
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has declined to confirm whether the large sum of U.S. dollars stolen from Bank of Maldives (BML) employees at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been recovered, raising further questions about transparency in the ongoing investigation.
When contacted by RaajjeMV regarding the recovery of the stolen funds, police stated that they were unable to provide specific details at this stage, saying only that information would be shared as the investigation progresses.
Despite confirming the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of the speedboat allegedly used in the heist, authorities have yet to reveal the fate of the stolen money. The robbery, carried out by masked individuals at the airport earlier this week, has sparked widespread public concern over escalating organized theft and the apparent lack of accountability.
Police have disclosed the identities of the four suspects, who have each been remanded for five days.
Those arrested are:
- Mazin Moosa, 25, of Reysham, Maavah island of Laamu atoll
- Ahmed Raihan Naeem, 20, of M. Choras
- Ibrahim Anoof, 24, of Alhivilaage, Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll
- Hussain Shahudh, 30, of Alhivilaage, Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll
The robbery comes amid a surge in major thefts across the country. Earlier this month, 13 million cigarettes stored at the MPL Hulhumalé Port were reported stolen, two containers that had previously been seized by Customs in April for being smuggled into the country.
