Police arrest four in MVR 4 million theft; one suspect previously sentenced to 10 years

One of the suspects arrested over the theft of MVR 4 million from an apartment in Nalahiya Residence last month is Ismail Asif, a man who was sentenced to 10 years in prison just three years ago.

Police said on Sunday that MVR 4 million was stolen from the apartment on March 16. Five individuals have been identified as suspects; four have been arrested while one remains at large.

Those arrested are:

• Mohamed Noor Ahmed, 40, Kasthoorimaage/Lh. Naifaru  

• Mohamed Afrah, 40, Moonlightvilla/S. Meedhoo  

• Ismail Asif, 36, Daarul Avval/R. Maduvvari  

• Ahmed Faris, 39, M. Asia/Male’ City

Asif, one of the four in custody, was previously convicted in 2022 for a violent stabbing that took place in late 2019. He was charged with assault with a sharp weapon causing serious injury after stabbing Ismail Hammad of Fehiali, R. Maduvvari, while on a sea cucumber fishing boat, and then throwing him overboard.

The Criminal Court sentenced Asif to 10 years in prison on 14 September 2022. However, he was released before completing his sentence.

Asif was arrested again on 31 March last year in connection with a fight. At the time, a resident told Sun he had been taken into custody for allegedly assaulting his brother.

Police are continuing their investigation into the Nalahiya Residence theft, with one suspect still being sought.