Seven people have been arrested over a “blackmail ring” that stole money and other items from people inside apartment number 18 from the Hiya flat tower H5 in Hulhumalé Phase Two, police said on Thursday.
At a police press briefing, Hulhumale’ Phase Two Police Station Head Ragnee Shuaib said a total of five cases related to blackmail were reported to the station.
The cases included one in January, three in April and one in May, Ragnee said.
Noting that several cases related to the apartment were not reported, Ragnee said that police officers and the public had stopped attempts before crimes were committed.
“Several unlawful acts such as prostitution, forcibly undressing various people after luring them there on false pretences, blackmailing after taking nude videos, stealing money, carrying out drug business with the sale of drugs, and drug abuse were carried out in there,” Ragnee said.
Seven suspects arrested in the case:
- Aminath Humaina Zakariyya, Kaafu Male’, 24 years (released)
- Ayath Abbas, Male’ municipality registry, 30 years (detained)
- Mohamed Adam, Gaaf Alif Dhaandhoo, 43 years (detained)
- Samah Ali, Kaafu Male’, 31 years (detained)
- Mohamed Muneer, Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, 35 years (detained)
- Ahmed Majid, Noonu Velidhoo, 33 years (detained)
- Ahmed Madheeh, Kaafu Male’, 34 years (released)
Aminath Humaina was the principal actor in the case but she was released in light of her pregnancy, Ragnee said. The court also released Ahmed Madheeh.
Victims were lured to the apartment with the false pretence of prostitution, after which they were blackmailed and robbed, Ragnee said.
Moreover, stolen items included expensive mobile phones and other items, Ragnee said.
