Operation Alimagu: Four suspects released after PG Office cites lack of evidence for major crimes despite police request for charges

Four individuals arrested during the police crackdown "Operation Alimagu" for allegedly operating a drug network across Male' and Gaafu Alifu Atoll have been released. Their release followed a directive from the Prosecutor General’s Office, which cited a lack of sufficient evidence to press charges for a major felony.

Last January, police arrested four individuals and raided ten locations as part of "Operation Alimagu," an initiative launched to dismantle a network involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The operation, conducted across Malé and Gaafu Alifu Atoll, led to the apprehension of Shaffah Latheef (28) of Shevona, GA. Villingili; Ahmed Madih (33) of Myuzikeege, GA. Villingili; Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim (30) of Aizan, GA. Villingili; and Noorunnizam (35) of Araairuge, GA. Villingili.

All suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of their trial. Following the completion of the investigation into the four individuals, the case was forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office on the 9th of this month for formal charges.

However, all individuals were released on Thursday following a directive from the Prosecutor General’s Office, which determined there was insufficient evidence to charge them with a major felony. A media official from the PG Office stated that the 90-day statutory period for filing charges expired on Thursday. The official further noted that upon reviewing the evidence gathered during the police investigation, it was concluded that the findings did not meet the legal threshold required to prosecute for a serious criminal offense. Consequently, the police were instructed to end their remand pending trial. The media official added that since charges could currently only be pursued against three of the four individuals, a case for cannabis use was filed in court on Thursday.

Charges of cannabis use have been filed against Shaffah Latheef, Ahmed Madheeh, and Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim. Among the accused is Anaam, who serves as a Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Economic Development.

Police previously stated that investigations have revealed this network has been trafficking drugs since 2015. According to authorities, over 300 million Maldivian Rufiyaa and more than 400,000 US Dollars have circulated through the bank accounts of network members over the past five years. Police have identified the individual leading the network, along with 19 others involved in various capacities in drug trafficking and money laundering under his direction. Investigations into all these individuals are currently ongoing.

Ahmed Madih, who is currently in police custody, has seen a total turnover of MVR 17,174,461.12 across his bank accounts. However, during this same period, his documented salary deposits amounted to only MVR 430,638.99.

Furthermore, a total of MVR 38,812,690.60 (thirty-eight million, eight hundred twelve thousand, six hundred ninety Rufiyaa and sixty Laari) was circulated through Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim's bank accounts. During this same period, the total salary deposited into his accounts amounted to only MVR 271,874.32 (two hundred seventy-one thousand, eight hundred seventy-four Rufiyaa and thirty-two Laari).

Furthermore, a total of MVR 6,916,752.83 was circulated through Shaffah Latheef’s bank accounts. During this same period, his documented salary deposits amounted to only MVR 371,635.36.