މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ފަތްތޫރަ / ށ. މިލަންދޫ، މުޙައްމަދު ރަޝީދު (39އ) އެވެ. އޭނާ ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ މި މަހު 16 ވަނަ ދުވަހޫ މިލަންދޫ ފުލުހުން ހިންގި އޮޕަރޭޝަންގައެވެ.
2026.8.16 Over 13,000 expatriates deported for visa violations
More than 13,000 expatriates found to be in violation of their visa conditions have been deported since the current Administration took office, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has revealed.
The Minister disclosed the figure while responding to a question from Fuvahmulah South Constituency Member of Parliament Ibrahim Hussain during a Parliament sitting last week. He said the Government would continue to maintain zero tolerance towards expatriates working outside the category or specific occupation for which their visas were issued.
Carrying out work other than that specified in an expatriate’s permit or visa is an offence under the Maldives Immigration Act. Minister Ihusaan said such cases were widespread, with some expatriates seeking other employment after being neglected by their employers or left without their salaries.
An opportunity previously provided for workers in such circumstances to enter the official system has now closed. Minister Ihusaan said expatriates who moved between worksites and took up employment outside their visa conditions had also been deported in the past.
Maldives Immigration and Maldives Police Service are jointly carrying out several initiatives to address expatriates living and working in the country in violation of the law. Operation Kurangi, launched in 2024, forms part of those efforts.
The operation involves collecting photographs and fingerprints from all 10 fingers to establish biometric records of expatriate workers living in the Maldives unlawfully. It also aims to identify and deport expatriates working outside the conditions of valid visas, along with those without valid work permits and visas.
Information on 294,000 expatriates has so far been collected under Operation Kurangi. The Government has said that from next year, expatriates found in any form of violation of immigration rules will be deported without being given another opportunity to regularise their status.
The third phase of Operation Kurangi is now underway, focusing on expatriates who have not provided their information. The work will continue over the next six months, with the Government expecting a permanent solution to the issue once this phase is completed.
2026.8.16 Verdict expected in a month as Shiau murder trial concludes
Court proceedings were repeatedly postponed after Sahil remained non-verbal and declined to participate during hearings.
Hearings have concluded in the Criminal Court trial concerning the murder of 22-year-old Shiau Mohamed Saeed, with a verdict expected within the next month.
Shiau was found dead on 6 August 2022 inside a ninth-floor apartment at H. Sheerin Villa in Malé. Police arrested Ali Sahil of Finifenmaage, F. Nilandhoo, at the scene on the same night. Sahil was residing in a room within the apartment at the time.
According to prosecutors, Sahil faces five charges in connection with the case, including the charge of intentional murder. The case also involves allegations relating to the decapitation and dismemberment of Shiau’s body.
The court delivered verdicts on two of the charges in April this year. Sahil was convicted of possession of pornography and cannabis use and sentenced to a combined prison term of three years, one month and six days.
The Criminal Court is continuing to hear the remaining charges, including the murder charge and two other charges being heard in closed proceedings.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, hearings in the case concluded last week and the court is expected to issue its judgment within 30 days.
The trial has faced delays over the past several years. Court proceedings were repeatedly postponed after Sahil remained non-verbal and declined to participate during hearings.
State authorities made several attempts to appoint legal representation for him. However, officials said Sahil refused to cooperate with assigned lawyers, resulting in the cessation of publicly funded legal representation. He is currently representing himself in court.
Sahil has denied the charges and has not admitted guilt in relation to any of the offences.
Separately, Sahil sought to appeal his convictions and sentence for pornography possession and cannabis use on two occasions. Both appeals were rejected by the High Court.
The forthcoming verdict will determine the outcome of the remaining charges arising from one of the country’s most closely followed criminal cases in recent years.
2026.8.14 High Court upholds death penalty for Shanoon in Ziyadam murder case
Ziyadam was killed on the night of 20 March 2015 following an altercation near the island’s temporary shelter.
The High Court has upheld the death sentence imposed on Mohamed Shanoon for the 2015 murder of Ali Ziyadam in L. Mundoo.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday by a three-judge panel, which unanimously affirmed the Criminal Court’s ruling that found Shanoon guilty of intentional murder.
Ziyadam was killed on the night of 20 March 2015 following an altercation near the island’s temporary shelter. Prosecutors said he was attacked with a knife and later succumbed to his injuries.
In 2023, the Criminal Court convicted two individuals in connection with the case. Shanoon was found guilty of intentional murder and sentenced to death under Qisas, while Ali Sifaam was convicted as an accomplice to murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Sifaam appealed his conviction, but the High Court upheld the sentence in 2024, finding no fault in the lower court’s decision.
Although Shanoon did not appeal the death sentence, Maldivian law requires all death penalty cases to be reviewed by the High Court and the Supreme Court before any sentence can be carried out. As a result, the state submitted the Criminal Court’s judgment to the High Court for review.
In its ruling, the High Court stated that the evidence presented in the case did not reveal any legal or Islamic jurisprudential basis to conclude that the Criminal Court had erred in convicting Shanoon of intentional murder.
The court also found that the lower court had obtained the views of the victim’s heirs regarding the death penalty in accordance with legal requirements and Islamic principles.
According to the prosecution, the incident stemmed from a dispute over the distribution of home-brewed alcohol produced by three individuals.
Prosecutors told the Criminal Court that on the night of the attack, Ziyadam was involved in an altercation with another individual near the temporary shelter when Shanoon and Sifaam arrived and attacked him with a bladed weapon, inflicting injuries to his neck, back and thigh.
The prosecution further alleged that after Ziyadam fled into the shelter, the two men followed him inside and continued the assault.
Court records also state that while bystanders were transporting Ziyadam to hospital, Shanoon allegedly threatened the victim’s father.
With the High Court now affirming the sentence, the case will proceed to the next stage of judicial review required for death penalty cases under Maldivian law.
2026.8.14 Rights lost in the past led people to the streets, says Faisal
The demonstration saw confrontations between protesters and police after law enforcement blocked participants from proceeding along the road.
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has called on the government to reflect on past events, warning that attempts to take away citizens’ rights have previously led to public unrest and demands for change.
Faisal made the remarks on Thursday night during an opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest held under the banner “Dhathi Vejje” (“Things Have Become Difficult”) on Majeedhee Magu.
The demonstration saw confrontations between protesters and police after law enforcement blocked participants from proceeding along the road.
Addressing supporters at the protest, Faisal said people had gathered despite the weather because they were facing increasing difficulties in their daily lives and wished to exercise rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
“People have gathered here in this rain because circumstances have become difficult,” Faisal said. “We want to tell the police not to break the law. We are here to exercise a right granted to us by law. Give us space to move forward down this street.”
Faisal said the rights being defended by the MDP were secured through years of political struggle and should not be taken for granted.
He argued that many citizens are facing challenges related to the cost of living and access to essential goods and services.
According to Faisal, households across the country are discussing increasing economic pressures, including difficulties in obtaining medicines, essential items and foreign currency.
He also criticised the government’s record in office, urging the public to assess what had been achieved since the administration took power.
“As three years approach, people should consider what has been done for the benefit of citizens,” he said.
Faisal further alleged that government spending decisions had contributed to the challenges currently facing the public.
“On top of nothing being accomplished, things are slipping beyond our reach. We are in this situation because of so much wastefulness,” he said.
The former vice president warned that governments should not ignore concerns over civil liberties, citing historical examples where the restriction of rights led to wider public opposition.
“When rights are stripped away like this, far worse situations arise when people eventually step out to demand them back,” Faisal said. “The government must think carefully about this.”
He added that the MDP would continue working to defend the rights of citizens and urged the government to take public concerns seriously and respond without delay.
Faisal, who has also expressed interest in seeking the presidency in the future, made the remarks as the opposition party continues its campaign focusing on economic issues, governance and public rights.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Faariq to pay a fine of MVR 100,000.
A third person has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking diamorphine within the past two months.
The Sh. Maungoodhoo Magistrate Court on Monday sentenced Mohamed Faariq, 28, of Fehivilaage, Sh. Maungoodhoo, after finding him guilty of trafficking diamorphine, also known as heroin.
Under Maldivian law, the 25-year prison term is treated as a life sentence.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Faariq to pay a fine of MVR 100,000.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the case involving Faariq was reported to police in November 2020.
Police completed the investigation about one and a half months later and forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution.
Faariq is the third person to receive a 25-year prison sentence for diamorphine trafficking within the past two months.
Last Sunday, Abdul Wahhab, 59, from S. Meedhoo, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined MVR 100,000 after being convicted of trafficking diamorphine. His case had been submitted to police in December 2021 and forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office the following month.
On 21 June, Ali Ibrahim, 37, from Sh. Milandhoo, was also sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking diamorphine.
The three sentences were handed down between 21 June and this week, with each defendant receiving a 25-year prison term following convictions for trafficking the same type of drug.x1200
އިބްރާހިމް އަޒުހަދު (36އ) އާއި ޝިހާނު އަހްމަދު (27އ) —- ފޮޓޯ: ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ހިދުމަތް
GDh. Thinadhoo, Looking Glass, Nasrulla Shakeel Hussain, 38, was arrested under the accusation of damaging the electrical boxes at the second floor of Vinares Tower 9, police said.
A suspect who was accused of damaging the electrical boxes at Vinares Flat and stole copper wires has been arrested.
GDh. Thinadhoo, Looking Glass, Nasrulla Shakeel Hussain, 38, was arrested for allegedly damaging the electrical boxes at the second floor of Vinares Tower 9, police said.
The police said that the incident was reported on Sunday, with the suspect being arrested under a court order on Tuesday.
When the case was filed and the police went to the site of the reported incident, the police said that the electrical boxes had been damaged, the earth wires were cut and copper pieces had been stolen.
When Nasrulla was produced to court to determine his remand, he was given a 15 day remand sentence, said the police.
While the police investigate the matter, two suspects who broke into a hardware store by breaking the glass and stole a copper wire roll had been arrested on Saturday as well, stated the police.
މަސްތުވާތަކެތީގެ ބާވަތެއް ކަމަށްވާ ޑައިމޯފިން ޓްރެފިކްކުރުމުގެ ކުށް ސާބިތުވެ، ދެ މީހަކު 25 އަހަރަށް ޖަލަށްލުމަށް ކްރިމިނަލް ކޯޓުން އިއްޔެ ހުކުމްކޮށްފިއެވެ.
މި މައްސަލާގައި ކުށް ސާބިތުވެ ހުކުމް އައިސްފައިވަނީ ނ. ވެލިދޫ / ދިލްބަހާރުގެ، އަޙްމަދު އިބްރާހީމް (44އ) އާއި އެ ރަށު ހެޕީގާޑްން، ހުސައިން އިބްރާހީމް (39އ) ގެ މައްޗަށެވެ.
އަޙްމަދު އިބްރާހީމްގެ މައްޗަށް މަސްތުވާތަކެއްޗާބެހޭ ގާނޫނުގެ 105 ވަނަ މާއްދާގެ (ހ) ގެ ދަށުން ޑައިމޯފިން ޓްރެފިކްކުރުމުގެ ކުށުގެ އިތުރުން، އެ ގާނޫނުގެ 115 ވަނަ މާއްދާގެ (ހ) ގެ ދަށުން ކެނަބިސް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ކުށް ވެސް ވަނީ ސާބިތުވެފައެވެ. ފުލުހުން މައުލޫމާތު ދޭ ގޮތުގައި، ޑައިމޯފިން ޓްރެފިކްކުރުމުގެ ކުށަށް އޭނާ 25 އަހަރަށް ޖަލަށްލުމާއެކު 100,000 ރުފިޔާއިން ވަނީ ޖޫރިމަނާކޮށްފައެވެ. އަދި ކެނަބިސް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ކުށަށް ތިން އަހަރުގެ ޖަލު ހުކުމެއް ވަނީ އިއްވާފައެވެ. ޖިނާއީ އިޖުރާއަތުގެ ގާނޫނުގެ ދަށުން ބަންދުގައި ހޭދަކުރި މުއްދަތަށް ރިއާޔަތްކޮށް، އޭނާ ތަންފީޒުކުރަންޖެހޭ ޖަލު އަދަބަކީ 27 އަހަރާއި 11 މަހާއި 5 ދުވަސް ކަމަށް ކޯޓުން ވަނީ ކަނޑައަޅާފައެވެ.
އަޙްމަދު އިބްރާހީމް ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ މިދިޔަ އަހަރުގެ މެއި މަހުގެ 7 ވަނަ ދުވަހު މަސްތުވާތަކެތީގެ ވިޔަފާރިކުރާކަމުގެ ތުހުމަތުގައެވެ. އޭނާގެ މައްޗަށް ދައުވާކުރުމަށް ޕްރޮސިކިއުޓާ ޖެނެރަލްގެ އޮފީހަށް ފޮނުވާފައިވަނީ މިދިޔަ އަހަރުގެ ޖޫން މަހުގެ 30 ވަނަ ދުވަހުއެވެ.
މި މައްސަލާގައި ދެން ހިމެނޭ ހުސައިން އިބްރާހީމްގެ މައްޗަށް ޑައިމޯފިން ޓްރެފިކްކުރުމުގެ ކުށް ސާބިތުވެ، 25 އަހަރަށް ޖަލަށްލުމާއެކު 100,000 ރުފިޔާއިން ޖޫރިމަނާކުރުމަށް ވަނީ ހުކުމްކޮށްފައެވެ. ބަންދުގައި ހޭދަކުރި މުއްދަތު އުނިކުރުމަށްފަހު، އޭނާ ތަންފީޒުކުރަންޖެހޭ ޖަލު އަދަބަކީ 24 އަހަރާއި 11 މަހާއި 14 ދުވަހެވެ.
ހުސައިން އިބްރާހީމް ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ 2022 ވަނަ އަހަރުގެ އެޕްރީލް މަހުގެ 11 ވަނަ ދުވަހުއެވެ. އޭނާގެ މައްޗަށް ދައުވާކުރުމަށް ޕީޖީ އޮފީހަށް ފޮނުވާފައިވަނީ އެ އަހަރުގެ މެއި މަހުގެ 10 ވަނަ ދުވަހުއެވެ.
މި ދެ މީހުންނަށް ވެސް ހުކުމް އިއްވާފައިވަނީ އިއްޔެ ކްރިމިނަލް ކޯޓުގައި ބޭއްވި ޝަރީއަތުގެ މަޖިލީހުގައެވެ.
2026.5.14 އިހުތިޖާޖުގެ ތެރެއިން ހައްޔަރުކުރި 9 މީހަކު 15 ދުވަހަށް ބަންދުކޮށްފި
“އަދަދު” ނޫހުގެ ނޫސްވެރިން ހައްޔަރުކުރުމާ ގުޅިގެން ނޫސްވެރިކަމުގެ މިނިވަންކަމަށް ގޮވާލައި ރޭ މާލޭގައި ބޭއްވި އިހުތިޖާޖުގެ ތެރެއިން ހައްޔަރުކުރި 10 މީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން 9 މީހަކު 15 ދުވަހުގެ މުއްދަތަށް ބަންދުކުރުމަށް ކްރިމިނަލް ކޯޓުން އަމުރުކޮށްފިއެވެ.
އިހުތިޖާޖުގެ ތެރެއިން ފުލުހުން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ 8 ފިރިހެނުންނާއި 2 އަންހެނުންނެވެ. އެމްޑީޕީގެ ގާނޫނީ ޓީމުން މައުލޫމާތު ދީފައިވާ ގޮތުގައި ހައްޔަރުކުރި މީހުންގެ ތެރޭގައި ހިމެނެނީ އަލީ ޖުމާން، މުނާޒް އަލީ، ޝުޖާއު އަފީފް، އަލީ މުޝައްފައު، އާމިނަތު މުނާ، ޝަމްއޫން ޖަލީލް، އަހްމަދު ރަމީޒް، އާމިނާ މަނިކެ، އަބްދުއްލޯ ޝަރީފް، އަދި އަހުމަދު ޝަފީގް (މީމު ސައްޕެ) އެވެ.
ލުހުން ބުނީ މި މީހުން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ފުލުހުންގެ ގާނޫނީ ވާޖިބަށް ހުރަސް އަޅައި، ފުލުހުންގެ އަމުރަށް ނުކިޔަމަންތެރިވިކަމުގެ ތުހުމަތުގައި ކަމަށެވެ.
މީހުންގެ ބަންދާމެދު ގޮތެއް ނިންމުމަށް މިއަދު ކްރިމިނަލް ކޯޓަށް ހާޒިރުކުރުމުން، ކޯޓުން ވަނީ މުނާޒް އަލީ ފިޔަވައި ދެންތިބި 9 މީހުން 15 ދުވަހުގެ މުއްދަތަށް ބަންދުގައި ބޭތިއްބުމަށް އަމުރުކޮށްފައެވެ. ކޯޓުން ވަނީ މުނާޒް އަލީ ބަންދުން ދޫކޮށްލާފައެވެ.
މި އިހުތިޖާޖަކީ ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވާ ނޫސްވެރިން ވަގުތުން މިނިވަންކުރުމަށާއި، ނޫސްވެރިކަމުގެ މިނިވަންކަމަށް ހުރަސްނޭޅުމަށް ސަރުކާރަށް ގޮވާލައި ބޭއްވި ހަރަކާތެކެވެ. ރާއްޖޭގެ ނޫސްވެރިކަމުގެ މިނިވަންކަމާ ގުޅޭގޮތުން ގިނަ ބަޔަކު ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅުކުރަމުންދާ މި ދަނޑިވަޅުގައި، މިފަދަ ހައްޔަރުކުރުންތަކާ ގުޅިގެން އިދިކޮޅު ފަރާތްތަކުން ދަނީ ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅުކުރަމުންނެވެ.
2026.5.14 Nine, including two women, detained from protest demanding journalists’ release
Nine people were detained from a mass protest held in Male’ City on Wednesday night demanding the release of two journalists from ‘Adhadhu’ who were imprisoned on contempt charges.
The protest, led by former President Mohamed Nasheed, kicked off from in front of the MDP Haruge.
Protestors demanded an end to intimidation and persecution of journalists.
There were several clashes between the police and protestors, the first of which erupted as the protestors reached the residence of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who earlier on Wednesday said he was willing to partner with his former political rivals Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to “restore press freedom” in the country.
The police were seen arresting multiple protestors following the clashes.
A police spokesperson said on Thursday morning that nine protestors were taken into custody; seven men and two women.
The police said they were detained on suspicion of obstructing the police and failing to follow their instructions.
The police did not disclose the identities of the detainees.
Protestors, after heated verbal exchanges with the police outside Yameens’s residence, located near the Henveiru Artificial Beach, resumed their march and walked along the Majeedhee Magu, coming to a stop at the Majeedhee Magu-Chaandhanee Magu junction.
The huge force of riot police deployed to the area issued repeated warnings to the protestors, after which they charged at them. Physical confrontations erupted as the police attempted to dismantle the protest, with eye witnesses reporting several injuries.
Crackdown on ‘Adhadhu’
Two journalists from Adhadhu, Mohamed Shahzan and Leeval Ali Naseer, were imprisoned on Tuesday on charges of contempt of court for violating a blanket gag order issued by the Criminal Court.
Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison, while Leevan was sentenced to 10 days.
The gag order was issued in a criminal case against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and editor Hassan Mohamed on charges of making false accusations of adultery in a documentary the news outlet published on March 28.
The blanket gag order issued on Sunday explicitly prohibits any party from circulating the documentary, from directly or indirectly discussing the contents of the video, or making any comments linking any of the defendants or the victim with the documentary.
Both Leevan and Shahzan were accused of violating the gag order, Leevan with an article published regarding the issuance of the gag order and Shahzan over the questions he directed at President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday.
Shahzan was kicked out of the press briefing on Monday over the questions, and the President’s Office has banned ‘Adhadhu’ from all future press conferences.
Meanwhile, both Fiyaz and Hassan have travel bans issued against them, appeared at court on Wednesday for preliminary hearings in the case against them.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Transparency Maldives, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have all expressed concern over the situation.
The individual was identified as Maryam Riyasa, 43, of G. South Breeze.
The Criminal Court has sentenced a woman to six years in prison after finding her guilty of blackmail and the production and possession of pornographic material.
The individual was identified as Maryam Riyasa, 43, of G. South Breeze.
According to court records, Riyasa was charged in 2022 under the Sexual Offences Act in two separate cases involving blackmail and pornographic content.
The court stated that Riyasa admitted to the offences during proceedings.
The verdict was delivered on the 3rd of this month, with the court issuing:
a three-year prison sentence for possession of pornographic material; and
a three-year prison sentence for blackmail.
Details of the cases have not been disclosed on the court’s website. The court stated that information was withheld to maintain moral standards.
It remains unclear whether Riyasa was held in custody during the trial period prior to sentencing.
Police had previously issued a public notice seeking Riyasa in May 2023 in connection with a separate fraud investigation.
According to the Maldives Police Service, she was wanted in relation to a fraud case investigated by the Kudahuvadhoo Police Station.
Police stated at the time that summons could not be served because her whereabouts were unknown.
2026.5.11 Criminal court orders “Aisha” documentary be withheld along with statements on case and victim
The Criminal Court has brought criminal charges against Adhadhu’s CEO and Chief Editor Hussain Fiyaz Moosa along with Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed related to the documentary Aisha. Both have been accused of qazf, a crime associated with raising unsubstantiated adultery claims.
Together with the charges, the court provided an “order not to act in a pending case,” banning the publication, distribution, or sharing of the documentary or any of its claims, either directly or indirectly. The order additionally prohibits the two editors from discussing the verdict or the purported victim while the case remains in progress.
The court additionally directed that documents provided in the case and details related to the trial should remain confidential, emphasizing that such cases may occur in private under Article 42(c)(1) of the Constitution to maintain societal moral standards. Any violation of the order may be considered contempt of court.
The court stated that the limitations were enforced to preserve reputations, maintain the presumption of innocence, and protect the rights of the accused and the alleged victim.
Fiyaz and Hassan appeared before the police on the 29th of the previous month, where both chose to invoke their right to remain silent.
Authorities have initiated a significant inquiry into the documentary. Following a court directive, authorities conducted a raid on Adhadhu’s office, investigated the location, and confiscated numerous pieces of electronic gear and computer systems intended for journalistic purposes. This represents the first occasion in recent times that law enforcement has stormed the office of a Maldivian media organization.
Officials have also acted against the two editors individually. Their passports have been retained until July 27, and both were interrogated by the police but opted to stay silent.
The matter is currently advancing through the Criminal Court.
2026.5.11 Over 250 expatriates taken into custody during Operation Kurangi
According to Maldives Immigration, the latest phase of the operation is being conducted by dividing Malé into 26 operational zones.
The government on Saturday began the third phase of “Operation Kurangi”, a nationwide programme aimed at collecting biometric identification data of expatriate workers in the Maldives.
The operation focuses on identifying foreign nationals who have not yet submitted biometric information to authorities.
Launched in 2024, the programme seeks to establish a biometric database containing facial photographs and ten-fingerprint records of expatriate workers residing in the country.
According to Maldives Immigration, the latest phase of the operation is being conducted by dividing Malé into 26 operational zones.
Authorities stated that more than 200 Immigration officers and 100 officers from the Maldives Police Service participated in Saturday’s operation.
Between 4:00pm and 6:00pm:
639 premises were inspected;
1,344 expatriates were screened; and
254 individuals identified with irregular visa status were taken into Immigration custody.
Immigration also stated that notices were issued to 44 Maldivian employers accused of employing expatriates in violation of regulations.
The authority said action would be taken under the Maldives Immigration Act against employers who fail to comply with the notices.
Earlier on Saturday, President Mohamed Muizzu stated that biometric information had already been collected for 98% of foreign nationals residing in the Maldives under valid work permits.
The suspects were identified as Mohamed Fauzan, 35, of Edhuruge, Vilingili, and Zakir Hossain, 29, a Bangladeshi national.
The Maldives Police Service has arrested two individuals in Malé after officers allegedly discovered more than one kilogram of illegal drugs during a counter-narcotics operation.
Police said the arrests were made as part of ongoing operations targeting drug-related offences, including drug use, possession and trafficking.
The suspects were identified as Mohamed Fauzan, 35, of Edhuruge, Vilingili, and Zakir Hossain, 29, a Bangladeshi national.
According to police, the operation was conducted last Thursday by officers from the Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Counter Narcotics Operations departments.
The suspects were later presented before court for remand hearings.
The court ordered Zakir Hossain to be held in custody for 15 days, while Mohamed Fauzan was remanded for 10 days.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
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Aishath Easha Ashraf, who has held high-ranking roles in the President’s Office and various ministries, was denied the chance to defend herself during the inquiry related to the documentary aired by the online newspaper Adhadhu, her attorneys stated on Wednesday.
Easha arrived at the Sergeant Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building in Male’ City on Wednesday, following her summons to the Hulhumale’ Police Station on Tuesday night.
The summons sent to Easha claims that she took part in creating a documentary purportedly made against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Following the police interrogation, former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem, representing Easha, informed the media that officers posed just three questions while obtaining her statement. He did not reveal the specific questions but mentioned that Easha refuted all three.
“They are claiming qazf.” We requested them to specify: against whom? “The police did not respond to that inquiry,” he stated.
“When we requested a chance to speak in our defense, they denied us the opportunity.” “They completely denied us the opportunity to defend ourselves,” Shameem stated.
Shameem stated that the police admitted in their written statement that Easha was not afforded the chance to defend herself. Concurrently, law enforcement notified them that her testimony in this inquiry was now deemed finalized.
Easha has been called for the second time. On Tuesday, Shameem went with her to the Phase I Hulhumale’ Police Station, where she faced questioning. In a media interview later, Shameem stated that he considered Easha to be the “victim” in the situation and mentioned he would provide the complete context after delivering a formal statement.
Shameem stated that he tried to clarify to investigators that Easha was the victim, but they did not permit him to do so.
“Yesterday, I mentioned that I think our client is a victim in this situation.” Textbooks also clarify the concept of being a victim. The abuser primarily engages in several actions toward the victim: psychological manipulation, isolation, fostering dependency—both emotional and financial, intimidation, threats, and leveraging power dynamics, he stated.
Despite police not permitting a defense statement, Shameem stated he plans to deliver the complete narrative during the investigation phase and will prove with evidence who the “victim” is by the time the case goes to trial.
“Currently, the police are charging Easha as the one responsible,” he stated.
Shameem stated he does not think the government would get involved in the investigation. Nonetheless, he stated that he was unable to identify whose influence stopped specific statements from being expressed.
“I don’t believe that, particularly a government, would affect a police department.” My heart disagrees. I did observe that certain types of conversations were prohibited. “Therefore, I’m unsure about who had an influence or who did not,” he stated.
Authorities are regarding the situation as a significant inquiry. Easha’s passport has been confiscated for three months by a Criminal Court directive, indicating that authorities acquired information implying she was trying to leave the country.
Authorities have initiated a significant inquiry into the documentary itself. Following a court directive, authorities conducted a search of the Adhadhu office, confiscating a significant amount of electronic devices and newsroom computer systems for forensic examination.
For the first time in recent history, officers have conducted a raid on a Maldivian media organization’s office.
Law enforcement is also pursuing measures against the newspaper’s management. The passports of CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed are being held until July 27. Both were called in and interrogated, and both chose to invoke their right to stay silent. x1200
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ރާއްޖެއަށް މަސްތުވާތަކެތި އެތެރެކުރި ދެ މީހަކު ވެލާނާ އިންޓަނޭޝަނަލް އެއާޕޯޓުން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފިއެވެ.
މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ޖައިނަބު ވާޖިދު ޢަލީ، އިންޑިއާ (25އ) އާއި މުޙައްމަދު ނަވާޒް ދަޔަތަރު، އިންޑިއާ (21އ) އެވެ. އިންޑިއާއިން ރާއްޖެއައި މި ދެ މީހުންނަކީ ކިލޯއަކަށްވުރެ ގިނަ މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ރާއްޖެ އެތެރެކުރިކަމުގެ ތުހުމަތުގައި މޯލްޑިވްސް ކަސްޓަމްސް ސަރވިސްއިން ފުލުހުންނާ ހަވާލުކުރި ދެ މީހުންނެވެ.
މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން މި ދެ މީހުންގެ ބަންދާމެދު ގޮތެއް ނިންމުމަށް ކޯޓަށް ހާޒިރުކުރުމުން ދެމީހުން ވެސް ފަސް ދުވަހަށް ބަންދުކުރުމަށް ވަނީ އަމުރުކޮށްފައެވެ.
The suspects were first detained by the Maldives Customs Service on Tuesday and later handed over to the Maldives Police Service.
Three people have been arrested in connection with an attempt to smuggle more than 6 kilograms of drugs through Velana International Airport, police said on Sunday.
The suspects were first detained by the Maldives Customs Service on Tuesday and later handed over to the Maldives Police Service.
According to police, one Maldivian national and two Indian nationals are in custody.
The suspects were identified as:
Ali Irfan, 28, Hithilaage, GDh. Gadhdhoo
Danushkandan Gopal, 19, India
Kathirivil Manimaran, 21, India
Police said Ali Irfan has been remanded in custody pending the outcome of the case.
The two Indian nationals have been remanded in custody for five days.
Authorities said investigations into the case are ongoing.
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މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ބޭނުންކޮށް އެތަކެތި ގެންގުޅެ އެތަކެތީގެ ވިޔަފާރިކުރާ ކަމުގެ ތުހުމަތުގައި، ނޭޕާލުގެ ޒުވާން އަންހެން ކުއްޖާ އިތުރު 20 ދުވަހަށް ބަންދު ކުރުމަށް ކުރިމިނަލް ކޯޓުން އަމުރުކޮށްފިއެވެ.
މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ނިޝާ ރާއީ، (21އ) ހައްޔަރުކުރީ މިދިޔަ ޑިސެމްބަރު މަހުގެ 17 ގައެވެ.
އޭނާ ހައްޔަރުކުރި އިރު އޭނާ ދިިރިއުޅުނު އެޕާޓްމަންޓްގައި ޑްރަގް ޓްރެފިކިންގެ ސާމާނު ހުއްޓެވެ. އެތަކެތި ހާމައަށް ހުރި އިރު، އެ ތަކެތި ކިރައި ބަންދުކުރަން ބޭނުންކުރާ ސާމާނު ވެސް އެ ތަނުގައި ހުރިކަމަށް ފުލުހުން ބުންޏެވެ.
އެއަށްފަހު މައްސަލައިގެ ތަހުގީގަށް އެކި ފަހަރުމަތިން ބަންދު ކުރަމުން އައިސް އެންމެ ފަހުން އިއްޔެ ކުރިމިނަލް ކޯޓުން އޭނާގެ ބަންދުގެ މުއްދަތު ޖަހާފައިވަނީ 20 ދުވަހަށެވެ.
އިއްޔެގެ ކޯޓު އަމުރުގައި ބުނެފައިވަނީ، މި މައްސަލައަކީ ޕްރޮސިކިއުޓާ ޖެނެރަލް އަށް ފޮނުވިފައިވާ މައްސަލައެއް ކަމަށާއި ނަމަވެސް އަދި މައްސަލަ ބަލައިގަތުމަށް ޕީޖީ އިން ނުނިންމާ ކަމަށް އައިއޯ ފާހަގަކޮށްފައިވާ ކަމަށެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އިއްޔެގެ ވަގުތެއްގައި އެ ނިންމުން ނިންމާނެ ކަމަށް އައިއޯ ފާހަގަ ކުރިއެވެ.
ފުލުހުން ބުނީ މި މައްސަލައިގައި ގިނަ އަދަދެއްގެ މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ހޯދާފައިވާ ކަމަށެވެ.
ދެ ކިލޯއަށްވުރެ ގިނަ މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ވައިގެ މަގުން ރާއްޖެއަށް އެތެރެކުރަން އުޅުނު ތިން މީހުން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފިއެވެ.
އެ މީހުން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ 2026 ފެބުރުވަރީ 28 ވަނަ ދުވަހުއެވެ.
މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ރަންޖިނި ޖީވަނަންތަން، މެލޭޝިއާ، (38އ) އާއި ގދ. ވާދޫ / ފުރުސަތު، ލޫޠު އިބްރާހީމް (29އ) އާއި ގއ. ދާންދޫ / ސަންލައިޓްވިލާ، އަޙްމަދު ރިޝްމާހް (21އ) އެވެ. މި ތިންމީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން ރަންޖިނި ޖީވަނަންތަން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ވެލާނާ އިންޓަނޭޝަނަލް އެއާޕޯޓުންނެވެ. ލޫޠު އިބްރާހީމްއާއި އަޙްމަދު ރިޝްމާހް ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ މާލެއިންނެވެ.
މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ހައްޔަރުކުރި މީހުންގެ ބަންދާމެދު ގޮތެއް ނިންމުމަށް ކޯޓަށް ހާޒިރުކުރުމުން ރަންޖިނި ޖީވަނަންތަންއާއި ލޫޠު އިބްރާހީމް 15 ދުވަަހަށް އަދި އަޙްމަދު ރިޝްމާހް ފަސްދުވަހަށް ބަންދުކުރުމަށް ވަނީ އަމުރުކޮށްފައެވެ.
މި މައްސަލަ ފުލުހުން ގެންދަނީ ތަހުގީގުކުރަމުންނެވެ.
މި މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ހދ. ކުޅުދުއްފުށި / ސިލްވަރސްޓަރ، އަލީ ޙަސަން (44އ) އާއި ހދ. ކުޅުދުއްފުށި / ކަސްތޫރިގެ، މުޙައްމަދު އިޙްސާން (21އ) އެވެ. މި ދެމީހުން ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ފެމިލީ އެންޑް ޗައިލްޑް ޕްރޮޓެކްޝަނާއި، ކްރައިމް އިންޓެލިޖެންސް އަދި އަތޮޅު ތެރޭގެ ޕޮލިސް ސްޓޭޝަނެއް ގުޅިގެން ހިންގި އޮޕަރޭޝަނެއްގައެވެ.
ކުޑަކުދިން “ގްރޫމް” ކޮށްގެންނާއި، އެ ކުދިންގެ މަޖުބޫރުކަމުގެ ނާޖާއިޒު ފައިދާ ނަގައިގެން، މަސްތުވާތަކެއްޗާއި ގޭންގު ކުށްތަކުގެ އިތުރުން ޖިންސީ ގޯނާގެ އަމަލުތަކުގައި ކުޑަކުދިން ބައިވެރިކުރުވާ ފަރާތްތަކާމެދު ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ޚިދުމަތުން ދަނީ ހާއްސަ އިސްކަމެއް ދީގެން ފިޔަވަޅުތަކެއް އަޅަމުންނެވެ. މިފަދަ އަމަލުތައް ހިންގާ ފަރާތްތައް ދެނެގަނެ، ގާނޫނީގޮތުން ދެވެން އޮތް އެންމެ ހަރުކަށި އަދަބު ދިނުމަށް ކުރަންޖެހޭ މަސައްކަތްތައް، ކަމާ ގުޅުންހުރި އިދާރާތަކާ ގުޅިގެން ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ޚިދުމަތުން ދަނީ ކުރަމުންނެވެ.
މައްސަލައިގައި އިބްރާހީމް އަހުމަދުގެ މައްޗަށް ދައުލަތުން ތިން ދައުވާއެއް އުފުލާފައިވެއެވެ. އެއީ ރަސްމީ ހައިސިއްޔަތު ނަހަމަ ގޮތުގައި ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ދައުވާ، ފޭރުމުގެ ދައުވާ، އަދި އެހެން މީހެއްގެ މުދަލެއްގެ މައްޗަށް ހުއްދަ ނޫން ގޮތުގައި ބާރު ހިންގުމުގެ ދައުވާއެވެ.
Police have arrested 10 people in connection with a case involving the alleged compromise of a man’s social media accounts and the theft of a large sum of money from a company bank account in which he owns shares.
According to police, the suspects were arrested under a court order as part of an operation launched on January 21 by the Gang Crime Unit, Himmafushi Police, and Addu City Hithadhoo Police. The arrests were made in Malé City, Himmafushi, and Addu City. One suspect was arrested from Himmafushi, three from Addu City, and the remaining individuals from Malé City.
Police said more than MVR 279,600 was withdrawn from the company’s bank account. Investigations revealed that six of the suspects had deposited money obtained through the scam into their bank accounts and later withdrew it. One suspect allegedly used the funds to make payments to various businesses and purchase goods, while three others reportedly withdrew cash from ATMs and handed the money over to others.
The court has ordered different remand periods for the suspects, ranging from five to 15 days. The case is currently being investigated by the Police Anti-Scam Center.
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Four expatriates arrested for illegal alcohol sale in Male’ have been handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation.
Police said that the four Bangladeshi expatriates had been arrested in an operation carried out by the Drug Enforcement Department and Narcotics Intelligence last Tuesday. The four individuals who were arrested are:
Police arrested the four and a subsequent search of a residence in Maafannu led to the discovery of 54 bottles of alcohol. A motorcycle used by the four was also towed.
އުމުރުން ދުވަސްވީ މީހަކަށް ޒުވާނަކު އަނިޔާކުރި މައްސަލައިގެ ވީޑިއޯއެއް ސޯޝަލް މީޑިއާގައި އާންމުވުމާ ގުޅިގެން އެ ޒުވާނާ ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވާއިރު، އޭނާ އެކަން ކުރީ ކެންސަރު ބަލީގައި ފަރުވާ ހޯދަމުން އަންނަ އޭނާގެ މަންމައަށް އެމީހާ ތަކުރާރުކޮށް ފުރައްސާރަކުރާތީ ކަމަށް ބުނެ، ގިނަ ބައެއްގެ ހަމްދަރުދީ އެ ޒުވާނާއަށް ލިބެން ފަށައިފިއެވެ.
މި ހާދިސާގެ ވީޑިއޯ އާންމުވުމާ އެކު ފުލުހުން ވަނީ އެކަން ސަމާލުކަމަށް އައިސްފައިވާ ކަމަށާއި، ތުހުމަތުކުރެވޭ މީހާ ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވާކަން ކަށަވަރުކޮށްދީފައެވެ. ނަމަވެސް މަންޒަރު ދުށް ފަރާތްތަކާއި އެ ޒުވާނާ ދަންނަ ފަރާތްތަކުން ސޯޝަލް މީޑިއާގައި ބުނަމުންދަނީ ހާދިސާ ހިނގަން މެދުވެރިވި ހަގީގީ ސަބަބަކީ، އުމުރުން ދުވަސްވީ މީހާގެ ފަރާތުން އެ ޒުވާނާގެ މަންމައަށް ލިބެމުންދިޔަ އުނދަގޫތައް ކަމަށެވެ.
A Maldivian and four foreigners have been arrested for the sale of alcohol on a safari boat without a permit.
Police said today that five individuals were arrested on Wednesday for alcohol sale without permit on a safari boat moored in the Hulhumale’ lagoon. The five were arrested based on intelligence received by Counter Narcotics Intelligence, Police said.
Under the operation, conducted by the Drug Enforcement Department in collaboration with Counter Narcotics Intelligence, the safari boat was searched under a court order. Police uncovered 102 bottles and 218 cans of alcohol.
The Maldivian arrested in relation to the case is Mohamed Manik, 52, H. Binmathee-aage.
The foreigners arrested alongside Manik are MD Shekar Hosain, 34, India, Rasel Mia, 35, Bangladesh, and two Sri Lankans, Pubudu Asela Bandara Dolosba Gedara, 27 and Tharaka Saman Kumaradeva, 35.
Police said that the court has placed all five in remand in custody for three days.
2026.1.2 Court orders Sunny Umar to remain in custody pending trial
The Criminal Court has ordered Sunny Umar to remain in custody pending trial in a case involving allegations of sexual assault.
Sunny Umar, who operates a travel agency and media outlets under the Maldives Halal Travel brand, was arrested last month on charges of sexual assault. He was initially remanded in custody for 30 days. After the remand period expired on Friday, he was produced before the Criminal Court, which ordered that he be kept in custody until the conclusion of the trial.
The Prosecutor General’s Office said police investigations into the case are ongoing. The office said the investigation period has been extended in accordance with the law, taking into account pending investigative work.
According to information provided by the prosecution, the allegations involve three minors: two girls and one boy. One of the girls and the boy are under the age of 18. The other girl is also alleged to have been sexually assaulted while underage.
މަސްތުވާތަކެތީގެ މައްސަލައެއްގައި ހުޅުމާލެ ފޭސް 1 އިން މީހަކު ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފިއެވެ.
އޭނާ ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައި ވަނީ ޖަނަވަރީ 1 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ފުުލުހުން ޕެޓްރޯލްކުރަމުން ދިޔައިރު ތުހުމަތުކުރެވިގެން ހުއްޓުވައި ބަލައިފާސްކޮށްފައެވެ. އޭނާ ހުއްޓުވައި ސުވާލުކޮށް، އޭނާ އެ ވަގުތު ގެންގުޅުނު ފޮށި ބަލައިފާސްކުރިއިރު މަސްތުވާތަކެތި
ކަމަށް ބެލެވޭ އެއްޗެއްހުރި ރަބަރު ޕެކެޓުތަކެއް ފެނިފައިވެއެވެ. މި ތަކެތީގެ ވަގުތީ ބަރުދަނަކީ 94.34 ގުރާމެވެ. x1200
2026.1.1 96 massage parlors closed since December operation: President
In a post on X, President Muizzu said the closures were part of an ongoing effort to shut down massage parlors operating outside the purpose for which they were registered.
The government has closed 96 massage parlors in Male’ since launching an operation on 9 December to crack down on establishments allegedly being used as fronts for prostitution, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said.
In a post on X, President Muizzu said the closures were part of an ongoing effort to shut down massage parlors operating outside the purpose for which they were registered.
“It is a sad fact that such places continue to operate because there are users,” the president said.
President Muizzu said addressing what he described as social ills required changes in people’s intentions, actions and attitudes. He added that some expatriates had been arrested and deported as part of the operation, which he said aimed to make the Maldives a “clean” country in every sense.
The president said the operation had produced results in a short period because the government acted swiftly on public feedback.
He added that his administration would continue to consider public views and address issues within existing legal procedures, describing such feedback as “very positive”. x1200
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