Five people have been charged in connection with the alleged theft of nearly MVR 4 million from an apartment at Nalahiya Residence in Majeedhee Magu.
According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the case was filed at the Criminal Court on June 25 over the alleged theft of MVR 3.99 million from the apartment during the early hours of March 15.
The theft was reported to police on March 16. Four suspects were initially arrested, with a fifth arrested later as the investigation progressed.
The five accused are:
- Mohamed Noor Ahmed, 40, Kasthooreemaage, Lh. Naifaru
- Mohamed Afrah, 40, Moonlight Villa, S. Meedhoo
- Ismail Asif, 36, Dhaarul Awwal, R. Madduvvari
- Ahmed Faris, 39, M. Asia
- Jazeel Mohamed, Jazeel Manzil, HDh. Nolhivaramfaru
All five have been charged under Section 211 of the Penal Code with unauthorized possession of another person's property, an offence carrying a basic sentence of three years, two months and 12 days' imprisonment.
Faris, Noor and Jazeel also face charges under Section 230 of the Penal Code for allegedly entering the apartment without the owner's permission. The offence carries a basic sentence of four months and 24 days in prison.
Three have also been charged under Section 220 of the Penal Code for allegedly damaging property. The Prosecutor General's Office alleges they damaged the apartment doors and two safes during the incident. The offence also carries a basic sentence of four months and 24 days' imprisonment.
Prosecutor General's Office has asked the court to order the recovery and return of the stolen money to the victim.
The money was stolen from the apartment of businessman Ibrahim Ahmed (Manik Seytu), while his family was away performing Umrah during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Police have recovered a small portion of the stolen money.
Mihaaru has learned that Ismail Asif, one of the accused, is related to Ibrahim Ahmed and had recently been offered employment by him before the alleged theft.
Court records show that Asif was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in 2022 after being convicted in connection with a knife attack during an altercation aboard a vessel. After credit for time already served, he was required to serve seven years and three months. He was, however, released in September 2023 before completing that sentence during the final days of former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.
