MPS offers MVR500,000 for information on Afrasheem

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has offered a reward of MVR500,000 for any informant who can provide information on the murder of Member of Parliament for Ungoofaaru constituency Dr Afrasheem Ali, that can lead to a prosecution.

This is the first time in the history of MPS that it offers a financial reward for providing information for an investigation.

Speaking at a press conference at Iskandar koshi today, Commissioner of Police Abdullah Riyaz urged the public to provide any information in relation to this murder.

He said that a reward of MVR500,000 is being proposed because MPS wishes to conduct a serious investigation of this crime, as Dr Afrasheem Ali is a person of high profile.

Riyaz informed that six people have been arrested, and that all six are connected with the murder. He said that no information can be revealed about the arrested persons at this stage, as doing so could obstruct the investigation.

He said that the murder of the scholar of moderate Islam, Dr Afrasheem Ali, was an organised crime; and assured that the people responsible for planning or financing it will be brought to justice.

Riyaz said that eighty Police Officers are actively involved in the investigation, and that CCTV footages of 130 cameras are currently under study.

He also informed that total of 75 people have been questioned in relation to this crime.

Referring to concerns raised by some groups and the media in relation to the slow pace of the investigation, Riyaz said that the investigation is being conducted in a very professional manner, and that MPS will not cease its efforts until the investigation is successful.

“Based on the progress of the investigation, if we can continue at the same pace, we are confident that the investigation will be successful in a few days,” he said.

Riyaz informed that two officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States are assisting MPS in this investigation.

“FBI will provide the technical support necessary for the investigation. They will not overstep the mandate of Maldives Police. They will contribute in terms of experience and information,” he said.

He said that FBI’s involvement would enhance public and international confidence in the investigation.

Dr Afrasheem Ali was found stabbed to death on the night of 1 October, outside his residence at H. Funvilu.