Investigation into $100,000 robbery at VIA delayed; questions must now be directed to police: Minister Ameen
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has acknowledged delays in the investigation into the high-profile robbery of a significant amount of US dollars from bank employees at Velana International Airport. While the Minister clarified that the incident was not directly related to airport security breaches, he declined to provide further specifics, noting that it remains an active police investigation. Despite repeated inquiries regarding whether the stolen funds have been recovered, Maldives Police Service has yet to provide a substantive update on the progress of the case.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Minister of Transport, Mohamed Ameen. | President's Office | Presidents office
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, has acknowledged that the investigation into the robbery of over $100,000 from two bank employees at Velana International Airport (VIA) is proceeding slower than expected. The incident occurred as the employees were entering Terminal 1 carrying a suitcase containing the cash.
The robbery at Velana International Airport (VIA) took place on October 27, 2025. According to the police, the incident was reported to them at 4:45 a.m. that day. Although the Minister attended a parliamentary session at 9:00 a.m. that same morning, when questioned about the incident, the Minister stated that they had not received any information regarding the matter.
Despite the government's repeated assurances that airport security has been tightened, RaajjeTV questioned the Minister regarding a recent incident where a suitcase full of cash was snatched at the airport entrance. The inquiry specifically addressed why the Minister remained uninformed of the robbery for a significant period after it occurred.
In response to the question, Minister Ameen stated that the police are currently investigating the matter. He emphasized that such an incident should never have occurred and acknowledged that the investigation has faced delays.
The police are currently investigating the matter. Therefore, if I were to comment specifically on an ongoing police investigation at this time, it could lead to certain complications. I acknowledge that the progress has been slower than expected, and there may be several reasons for this. I believe it would be more appropriate for you to direct that question to the police or raise it during a Home Ministry press briefing.President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's Minister of Transport, Mohamed Ameen.
Minister Ameen stated that it is currently difficult to provide specific details regarding security matters. He further clarified that this issue is not directly related to airport security.
Ameen stated that every incident occurring at the airport does not necessarily call into question the overall security of the facility.
Despite being questioned three times regarding whether the stolen cash has been recovered following the heist at the airport where a significant amount of US dollars was snatched from BML employees, the police stated that there are no updates on the matter.
