A Bangladeshi man accused of stealing MVR 442,275 from under the seat of a motorcycle has told the court that he was being framed over a business issue.

Jahangir Alam, 45, of Bangladesh, was arrested with a court warrant on September 12. He was remanded in custody for 15 days and was summoned to the Criminal Court on Saturday to extend the detention.

The court remanded him in custody for five more days. He denied the accusation and told the court that he was being framed.

Police have submitted CCTV footage which shows Jahangir taking something from under the seat of a motorcycle. The court order stated that more evidence had been submitted.

At Saturday's hearing, Jahangir's lawyer said police had not questioned him so far and noted that the investigation was progressing very slowly.

Jahangir has all the valid documents to reside and work in the Maldives. He has two Maldivian wives and thee children.