Convicted gold smuggler seeks reversal of prison sentence and return of seized gold

The High Court has commenced appeal proceedings regarding the conviction of Mohamed Mohamed Sulaiman, a Sri Lankan national found guilty by the Criminal Court for smuggling gold into the Maldives.

The state charged him with smuggling goods into the Maldives. Following a conviction on these charges, the Criminal Court sentenced him last October to one year in prison and ordered the seizure of the smuggled items by Customs.

The Criminal Court's ruling has been appealed to the High Court, with the appellant seeking the return of the seized gold and his immediate release from custody.

The attempt to smuggle gold into the country was uncovered when Customs officers intercepted the individual at Velana International Airport. After scanning his luggage, officers stopped him for questioning and conducted a thorough search as he was attempting to exit the terminal.

Upon inspecting his luggage, authorities discovered documentation indicating that he had purchased and declared gold in Dubai. This led to a body scan, which confirmed the presence of the gold. A further search of his person resulted in the recovery of 2,252 grams of gold, which had been concealed within his trouser pockets and undergarments.

In his appeal, Sulaiman contends that the chain of custody in this case was not properly maintained. He further argues that the essential elements of the crime have not been established.

The defense has requested that the High Court overturn the Criminal Court's conviction and grant his release. Additionally, he is seeking a court order for the return of the seized gold.

The High Court bench presiding over this case consists of Judge Mohamed Shaneez Abdulla, Judge Hussain Mazeed, and Judge Huzaifa Mohamed.