Police announce search for Head of Maleesha Group

Police have announced search efforts for the Head of Maleesha Hajj and Umra Group, Ismail Abdul Latheef, 42, of Aafini Villa, Hulhumale’.

Maleesha Group has fraudulently collected funds from several pilgrims wishing to go for Hajj this year.

Police said that investigations into this case are under way, and informed that Ismail Abdul Latheef has departed from Maldives.

Police are trying to locate him in order to summon him for questioning, and have requested any person with news on Ismail Abdul Latheef to come forward with the information.

Police informed that 52 persons who had paid money to Maleesha Group have filed complaints to Police.

Sun Online understands that Maleesha Group collected money from 175 persons.

Police said that they need information on all persons who paid money to Maleesha Group.

“Please call Maldives Police Service at 3322111 or 9790048 to provide information,” says the statement issued by the Police in relation to this matter.

People who shared information with Sun Online said that they paid MVR68,000 to Maleesha Group when it provided assurance that it will organise the Hajj pilgrimage for them.

They said that the contact numbers given by Maleesha Group are no longer in use, and that its office has closed down with even its name board removed.

Sun Online understands that Maleesha Group tried to take Maldivian pilgrims to Hajj under the quota given to Sri Lanka.

Islamic Ministry has stated that it is illegal to take people to Hajj under another country’s quota.

Islamic Ministry has also informed that Maleesha Hajj Group does not have the Ministry’s permission to take pilgrims to Hajj.