Opposition lawmaker Mahloof questions necessity of raid on Qasim Ibrahim's properties

The search on multiple properties owned and operated by opposition leader Qasim Ibrahim warrants a threat to national security and the public has a right to know if that is the case, says lawmaker Ahmed Mahloof.

Mahloof said in a Tweet posted after news of the raids surfaced on Wednesday that ‘Maldivians should be informed immediately if there is a threat’.

Police began searching the Paradise Island, Sun Island, and Fun Island resorts, bearing a warrant.

A court judge had authorized the search of said properties and two more, all operated under the Jumhooree Party leader’s conglomerate Villa Group, on the grounds that alcoholic beverages licensed for one of said resorts was carried over and sold at another.

Officers of the police were accompanied by customs officials and staff of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority. Together, they had seized a few beverages as evidence.