2 money transfer robbers charged with terror; millions stolen

Two men suspected of stealing over MVR 2 million from a Western Union money transfer in Male’ City on October 3, 2016 have been charged with terrorism.

The two men charged are:

1. Mohamed Fairooz, Dhiggaru, F. Magoodhoo

2. Ali Shaneez, Seenuge, G. A. Kondey

The first hearing in the case is scheduled to be heard by Criminal Court coming Wednesday, March 29.

The WU money transfer was hit at approximately 12:45 am on October 3, 2016 by a group of masked men who entered the office after it was locked up by masquerading as employees from telecommunications company Dhiraagu.

After the employees at the office let the masquerading robbers in, the robbers threatened the employees with knives, tied them up, and stole over MVR 2 million before making their escape.

There were four employees at the office at the time, all foreigners.

The robbers were seen by eyewitnesses heading into nearby residence H. Thaalhafilige after the robbery.

The street was littered with currency notes as the robbers made their escape, and more currency notes and a bag of money was recovered from the stairwell of H. Thaalhafilige.

The exact number of money bags the robbers escaped with is unclear.

Neighbors report H. Thaalhafilige is the residence of one of the suspects – Shaneez.