MVR 64 Million Drug Case to Be Sent for Prosecution, Says Police Commissioner

Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau has announced that investigations into a financial crime case involving a known group in Malé have concluded, with the matter set to be forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution in the near future.

He made the remarks during a ceremony held at the Hulhumalé Synthetic Track to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service. According to the Commissioner, the investigation, which has spanned approximately a year, included searches of residences and locations linked to the individuals involved.

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The case centres around the circulation of MVR 64 million, allegedly obtained through criminal activity. A total of eleven individuals are implicated in the matter. The Police have also requested that the Prosecutor General’s Office initiate efforts to seize any assets held by these individuals on behalf of the State.

In his address, Commissioner Shujau also disclosed progress on another major investigation. He said Police have uncovered a drug network operating in Fuvahmulah, involving 112 individuals. As part of this case, 121 related files have already been submitted for prosecution. Police have also forwarded cases concerning two individuals accused of obtaining undue financial gains through this network.

The Commissioner revealed that the network had circulated approximately MVR 60 million through bank accounts over the past five years. As part of the investigation, bank statements for 42 individuals were reviewed to trace the flow of funds, which he said had required significant time and effort.

Police have also appealed to the Prosecutor General’s Office to confiscate any valuable assets believed to have been acquired through illicit means in connection with the drug case.

Commissioner Shujau expressed gratitude to the officers involved in both investigations, stating that these cases serve as a demonstration of the Police Service’s commitment to tracing and prosecuting the proceeds of crime. He emphasised that wealth accumulated through illegal activity will be subject to seizure, even if individuals are no longer actively engaged in such networks.