One of the expatriates arrested in relation to the illegal sale of alcohol out of an office located at H. Maadhooge has told the court today that he had been involved in alcohol sales because his employer threated to repatriate him if he refuses. 

Through this case, police arrested three expatriates and a Maldivian man believed to have been leading the operation. These are:

As the remand period of the three expatriates are expiring, they were presented in Criminal Court today to seek an extension. 

At the remand hearing, Polin stated that only he and his boss Rushwan have access to the apartment where the alcohol had been found. He also admitted to handling sale of alcohol. 

Polin stated that he was doing so on Rushwan's orders, adding that Rushwan has threatened forced repatriation back to his home country if he refuses to comply. 

Polin revealed that payments received through alcohol sales are sometimes transferred to accounts at BML and MIB, while cash on delivery is also accepted. 

The Criminal Court has extended remand in custody for all three expatriates by an additional 30 days. 

Rushwan currently remains in custody under a previous 15 day remand order. 

Police searched two floors of H. Maadhooge under a court order, and found 862 bottles of alcohol. 

Videos publicized by police show that the premises where the alcohol had been stored had been secured with a smart lock. Inside, alcohol bottles are seen stored on shelves. 

Cases of alcohol bottles are seen stored inside a space used as an office.