EOD expert among those arrested in relation to boat blast

Sun Online has learned from credible sources that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officials arrested in relation to the explosion on the presidential speedboat includes an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expert.

Three arrests were made today in relation to the incident. One of them has been named as Mohamed Jawaz, who works at the MNDF weapons storage. The second person is Sergeant Moosa Zameer, and the third suspect remains unidentified.

Jawaz, who previously served in the Special Protection Group (SPG), is specialised in defusing bombs. He is also known to have worked with fireworks during celebrations in the past.

He was arrested upon his return from Sri Lanka yesterday afternoon. He left the country on 27 September 2015.

The explosion took place on 28 September 2015.

Sources have told Sun Online that the police have searched his house and found suspicious items.

Criminal Court issued remand periods to Jawaz and Zameer today, though the durations are unclear.

Following the explosion, a new unit was established in the MNDF yesterday. The Presidential Security Division (PSD) will replace the SPG’s functions related to providing security to the president.

Colonel Abdul Raheem was appointed as the head of the PSD, and the head of SPG, Colonel Ahmed Fayaz, was transferred to the post of Commander of Malé Area.