Airport dollar theft: Three more arrests, travel bans

Police have made three more arrests in relation to the masked robbery at Velana International Airport where a suitcase full of dollars in cash (USD 130,000) was stolen from Bank of Maldives employees. 

A Police Media Official said today that three additional individuals were arrested in relation to the October 27 theft. The three have been identified as:

- Abdul-Awwal Ibrahim AbuBakuru, 27, Binaa, GA. Vilin'gili

- Ahmed Mahid, 44, Eheevaage, Th. Vilufushi

- Ali Afzal, 21, Vashagulimaage, S. Hithadhoo

Abdul-Awwal was arrested on Sunday last week, while Mahid was arrested on Tuesday, and Afzal on Wednesday. 

Abdul-Awwal and Mahid have been remanded in custody until the end of trial. Afzal was initially given three days remand, but when presented at court at the end of this period, the court has now placed him, too, in remand in custody until the end of trial. 

Police earlier made four arrests on the day of the theft itself. These four individuals are:

- Mazin Moosa, Reysham, L. Maavah

- Ahmed Raihan Naeem, M. Chorus

- Ibrahim Anoof, Alhivilaage, K. Guraidhoo

- Hussain Shahudh, Alhivilaage, K. Guraidhoo

Police now have a total of seven people in custody until the end of trial in relation to this theft.

Police Media Official further said that travel bans have been placed on four persons. The investigation has so far involved the search of four vehicles, and 20 locations across Male' and other islands.