Customs begins search at Qasim's resorts

Officers of the Maldives Customs Servies has gone to the resorts belonging to the Leader of the Jumhooree Party, Qasim Ibrahim, to execute a court order to search the resorts.

Police Media Official siad that they are providing assistance in the Customs operation and no further details can be disclosed at this time.

Sun Media has learned that teams consisting of both Police and Customs officers have gone to five resorts owned by Qasim to conduction a search. Resorts include Paradise Island, Sun Island, Holiday Island and Fun Island resort.

Sources say that officers of Customs and Police are accompanied by employees of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

Sun Media has acquired a copy of the court order to search Holiday Island Resort.

The order states that the search is approved following reports that alcohol licensed from bonded warehousing to Royal Island and Spa Management and Island Travel and Trade Pvt. Ltd. has gone to other resorts and related locations.

The court order was issued effective for 18 hours, including day and night, from 6 a.m. today.

While Qasim's resorts are being searched, he is serving a three-year prison sentence but he is currently in self-exile in Germany.