Two foreigners arrested on suspicions of espionage deported

Maldives Police Service, on Monday, has stated that the two foreigners arrested on suspicions of espionage by use of spy cameras inside Velana International Airport (VIA) have been deported from the Maldives.  

Police detained two foreigners at VIA on August 28, later taking them to police headquarters for questioning in connection to an ongoing investigation. They were formally arrested at the police headquarters and remanded in custody for 10 days.

The two are reportedly Indian nationals suspected of espionage. They had reportedly been at the airport with spy cams.

A Police Spokesperson told Sun on Monday that their probe into the case did not produce adequate evidence to press criminal charges against both suspects.

“Hence, they were released from custody on September 8. They were deported from the Maldives on September 9,” the Spokesperson said.

An emergency motion was submitted at today’s parliamentary sitting by the opposition coalition calling on the government to strengthen security measures at VIA, in light of the espionage case. The emergency motion submitted by Maavah MP, former Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed was rejected by the votes of 34 parliamentarians. Only six members had voted in favor of accepting the motion.

In his emergency motion, MP Saeed said that international media outlets had reported concerning stories regarding the case. He also alleged that an Indian government official had arrived in Maldives following the incident, requesting the release of the two suspects.

“After this meeting, the police had issued another report in place of the original report with respect to the case. This is a pre-planned, dangerous act. It has been revealed that this threatens neighboring countries as well,” he had said. 

Underscoring that the police had revealed two Indians were arrested in connection to the case over threat to national security – MP Saeed stressed that the police submitted evidence of espionage to the court. He alleged that some individuals involved in the case have fled Maldives.

“The police are not briefing the media with adequate information regarding the case. Police are hiding these matters from citizens as well,” he added.

MP Saeed further alleged that the police are unaware of the current whereabouts of the two suspects who were arrested in connection to the case. He also said that security measures at VIA have not been strengthened following the incident.