Four Arrested in Connection with Hostage Situation in Hulhumalé

The Maldives Police Service has arrested four individuals in relation to a hostage situation in Hulhumalé, where a man was allegedly held captive in a car and subjected to torture while attempts were made to extort money from him.

The police reported that a complaint was lodged last night, detailing the abduction of a Maldivian male on Orchidmaa Hingun in Hulhumalé. Authorities stated that the victim was beaten and forced to contact his family in an attempt to demand a ransom.

advertisement

The first arrest was made of Tholal Moosa (reg. number 9022), followed by the apprehension of Husham Ibrahim (from Haa Dhaalu atoll Kumundhoo) and Adam Shareef, both of whom share the same permanent address. Two other men, Hussain Haikal Niyaz (from Malé City) and Ahmed Rishfan (from Hulhumalé), were also taken into custody.

The Hulhumalé Magistrate Court has ordered a seven-day remand for all five suspects involved.

This incident follows another kidnapping case earlier in the week, where 12 individuals were arrested at a Hulhumalé Hiyaa flat. Police intervened after the victim was found to be held hostage and tortured, with the perpetrators reportedly attempting to sever the victim’s finger.

Police have not released further details on the increasing number of kidnapping cases, though investigations are ongoing.