Drug Operation: over MVR 300 million circulated through suspects’ accounts

Police have revealed that more than MVR 300 million was circulated through the bank accounts of individuals arrested in a major drug trafficking and money laundering operation in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

Four men were arrested on Sunday during a special operation conducted in Malé and Gaafu Alifu Atoll, in which 10 locations were searched.

Those arrested are:

Police said the Criminal Court ordered three of the suspects to be remanded in custody until the end of the trial, while Nooruh Nizam was remanded for 15 days.

According to police, the men are suspected of being part of a drug trafficking and money laundering network. A special investigation into the network’s leadership began in March last year, and findings show the group has been trafficking drugs since 2015.

Police said that over the past five years, more than MVR 300 million and over USD 400,000 were transferred through bank accounts linked to members of the network.

Authorities have identified the leader of the network and 19 other individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking, distribution and money laundering under him. Investigations are ongoing.

Police highlighted significant disparities between the amounts circulated in the suspects’ bank accounts and their declared salaries:

Police also confirmed that 53 bank accounts belonging to 13 individuals have been frozen under a court order as part of the investigation.