Sea cucumbers in MVR 2m case put up for auction again

Police have again announced the auction of sea cucumbers seized in an ongoing embezzlement case.

The Maldives Police Service has issued a second announcement to auction sea cucumbers valued at around MVR 2 million, which were seized in connection with an alleged embezzlement from a warehouse in Thilafushi.

The case was filed by a man from Fuvahmulah, who claims the sea cucumbers were misappropriated. Police had earlier announced that the seized stock would be sold at auction, and on Wednesday issued a fresh notice listing four types of sea cucumbers priced between MVR 300 and MVR 850 per kg.

According to police, a criminal investigation is ongoing into the alleged embezzlement of a large quantity of sea cucumbers from the warehouse. A police investigation officer has been suspended from investigative duties over suspected involvement in the case, and the matter is also being probed administratively by the Professional Standards Command.

The Criminal Court previously ruled that there was no legal barrier to police holding the seized goods under the Criminal Procedure Act. The decision has since been appealed at the High Court.