Decision to remove names from Interpol list made by government: police

Police has said that the state had made the decision to remove the names of four Maldivians, wanted in connection to the biggest corruption scandal in the country’s history, from Interpol’s red notice list.

Back in 2015, red notices were issued for Mohamed Allam Latheef, Ahmed Ishfaah Ali, Mohamed Hussain and Mohamed Aseel.

Speaking on the matter, police’s spokesperson Izmia Zahir said that their names were removed following a request by the state.

Noting that the red notice was issued after the suspects failed to present themselves for questioning, Izmia said that they are now cooperating with the authorities in the investigation.

While they are currently living in self-exile, the police spokesperson said that they have “full access” to all four. RaajjeMV understands that Allam, Hussain and Ishfaah are currently in the United Kingdom, while Aseel is in Australia.

All four are connected to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC) corruption scandal, where millions were stolen from the state.

Allam is a shareholder at Scores of Flair (SoF), the private company implicated in the embezzlement. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has stated that the embezzled money amounts to MVR 1.5 billion and that SoF had transferred funds to 155 accounts.

While four names have been removed from the Interpol list, the notice issued for Mohamed Wisham- in connection to the presidential speed boat explosion- remains. The list currently has 11 Maldivians.