News Desk
Malé, Maldives — Police have arrested four men from Gaafu Alif Villingili in what authorities describe as one of the country’s most extensive drug‑trafficking and money‑laundering investigations in recent years. The arrests, made Tuesday during a coordinated special operation, follow the discovery of more than MVR 300 million and over $400,000 that investigators say flowed through the suspects’ bank accounts over a five‑year period.
The suspects — Ahmed Anam Ibrahim, 30; Shaffah Lateef, 28; Ahmed Madeeh, 33; and Noor‑un‑Nizam, 35 — were taken into custody after officers searched 10 locations linked to the alleged network. A judge ordered three of the men held until the conclusion of their trials, while Noor‑un‑Nizam was remanded for 15 days.
Police say the four are believed to be part of a wider criminal organization that has operated across the Maldives for years, trafficking narcotics and laundering proceeds through dozens of bank accounts. A dedicated investigative team began tracking the group’s financial and logistical activities in March of last year.
According to police, the scale of unexplained wealth uncovered during the probe was striking.
Madih allegedly received more than MVR 17 million, despite earning MVR 430,000 in salary during the same period.
Anam Ibrahim reportedly held MVR38 million in his accounts, while his recorded income totaled MVR 271,000.
Shaffa Lateef had MVR 6.9 million, compared with MVR 371,000 in salary deposits.
Authorities say 53 bank accounts belonging to 13 individuals have now been frozen under court order.
The investigation stems from a major narcotics operation launched last November, when police intercepted a sea‑based smuggling attempt and seized 12 kilograms of drugs. That operation expanded nationwide, ultimately leading to 105 raids, the seizure of 29.6 kilograms of narcotics, and the arrest of 119 suspects. Of those detained, 61 tested positive for drug use and 38 were brought before the court for extended remand.
Police says the latest arrests were made after investigators linked the four men to the broader trafficking network’s financial operations.
