Officer recommended for dismissal after USD 30,000 seized in 2019 case goes missing

The Police Disciplinary Board has recommended the dismissal of a police officer over the loss of USD 30,000 (MVR 463,500) linked to a case investigated seven years ago.

The case became public last year, after Police said the discrepancy was discovered on August 13. The money had been seized in connection with a case filed on September 15, 2019.

At the time, the Criminal Investigation Command said it was investigating a difference of USD 30,000 in the total amount of seized cash. Police also said a bag containing damaged currency notes had been found at the storage location, which was being examined by forensic teams.

Police told Sun on Wednesday that the dollars involved in the case are currently held by the Finance Department. However, the Professional Standards Command conducted an internal inquiry and forwarded the matter to the Disciplinary Board.

According to Police, the board recommended on July 7 that the officer be dismissed and suspended pending the appeal process.

Police have not released any details regarding the original seizure or the circumstances surrounding the missing funds. No further information has been disclosed about the officer recommended for dismissal.