During a speech delivered at the Maldives Police Service’s 92nd anniversary celebration, held at the Hulhumale' Synthetic Track, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau revealed the conclusion of a significant financial crime investigation. The case, centered on the illicit financial activities of a well-known group based in Malé, is now being prepared for submission to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to Commissioner Shujau, the investigation spanned nearly a year and included searches of properties and other locations associated with individuals tied to the case. The inquiry uncovered that around MVR 64 million had been circulated, with the bulk of the funds allegedly derived from criminal activities. Eleven individuals are implicated, and police have formally requested that any assets obtained unlawfully by these suspects be seized by the state.

In a separate development, authorities also dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Fuvahmulah. This network, involving 112 individuals, is linked to the circulation of MVR 60 million across five years. A total of 121 cases connected to the network have been filed for prosecution, with two individuals specifically charged with acquiring wealth illegally.

As part of this probe, police analyzed bank records of 42 individuals to track the flow of money, a task Commissioner Shujau noted required extensive time and effort. Property and assets linked to these criminal gains have also been recommended for state seizure.

Commissioner Shujau commended the officers who conducted both investigations, emphasizing the police force’s commitment to pursuing financial crimes, regardless of whether those involved are still active in criminal networks. He reaffirmed that wealth obtained through illicit means will not be protected and will be reclaimed by the state.