40-year-old arrested for 44th time, for stealing a phone

The police have arrested a man believed to have stolen a black Samsung S22 phone from a bag kept at the Rasfannu Artificial Beach by a beachgoer.

The theft took place at the public beach located in the Maafannu district of Male’ City.

The police arrested a 40-year-old Maldivian male in connection to the case on Saturday. He was presented before the Criminal Court for his remand hearing the next day.

Court documents show it was the man’s 44th arrest.

His prior 43 arrests were on suspicion of committing various crimes, including theft. He was also remanded in police custody 22 times.

According to court documents, the suspect was stopped and searched by the police, who found the stolen phone tucked inside the back of his jeans. He confessed to the police that he took the phone from a bag he stole from the Rasfannu Artificial Beach.

But he later refused sign his statement or cooperate with investigators.

At his remand hearing on Sunday, the suspect told the court that the phone was given to him by a friend. He also told the court that he had certain medical conditions.

The court remanded him custody of the police for 15 days. It also instructed the police to arrange for his medical care.

His remand period expires on September 9.