More than USD 100,000 and multiple foreign currencies stolen in VIA robbery

  • Maldives
PUBLISHED 12 March 2026

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has disclosed that the heist at Velana International Airport (VIA) last year included over USD 100,000, more than JPY 300,000, and various other foreign currencies.


Eight people have now been accused in relation to the robbery, which took place while two Bank of Maldives (BML) staff were moving money within the airport terminal. On Tuesday, the PGO published the complete details of the embezzled funds and the accusations made.


Prosecutors claim that the suitcase taken in the heist included:




  • 4,900 euros




 




  • 1,735 lbs




 




  • 2,610 SGD




 




  • 1,345 AUD




 




  • 510 CHF




 




  • 1,515 CAD




 




  • 334,000 yen in Japanese currency




 




  • 10,420 HKD




 




  • 106,120 USD




 




  • 23,778 dirhams




 




  • 25,000 rupees in India




 




  • 600 yuan renminbi




 


The suitcase was later retrieved by the police.


 


Photos of three new suspects detained in connection with the airport USD theft (From L-R): Ali Afzal, 21, S. Hithadhoo, Vasahgulimaage, Ahmed Maidh, 44, Eheevaage, Th. Thilafushi and Abdul Awwal Ibrahim Aboobakr, 27, Binaa, GA. Villingili. (Photo/Maldives Law Enforcement Agency)


 


Charges were made:


 


Ahmed Mahid, Eheevaage/Th. Vilufushi


 




  • Theft as per Section 213 of the Penal Code (Act 9/2014)




 




  • Threatening an individual with a sharp implement under Article 33 of the Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act (Law 7/2025)




 




  • Carrying a sharp item in a public area without justifiable cause according to Article 35 of the same legislation.




 


Ali Afzal, Vashagulimaage/S. Hithadhoo


 




  • Theft as defined by Section 213 of the Penal Code




 




  • Involvement in threatening an individual with a cutting instrument according to Article 33 of Law 7/2025.




 


Abdul Awwal Ibrahim Abubakr, Binaa/G.A. Villingili


 




  • Involvement in theft according to Section 213 and Article 30 of the Criminal Code.




 


Hussain Shahud, K. Guraidhoo/Alhivilaage


 


Mazin Moosa, Reysham/L. Maavah


 


Ahmed Raihaan Naeem, M. Chorus/Male' City


 



Ibrahim Anoof, Alhivilaage/K. Guraidhoo