Security

On January 1, 2026, authorities arrested several suspects in drug operations conducted in Malé and Dhuvaafaru. Additionally, measures were taken against illegal businesses at Velana International Airport, and a group producing and distributing alcohol in Malé was apprehended. Meanwhile, suspects in the Yameen Rasheed murder case have been remanded pending the conclusion of their retrial, and reports have emerged regarding the fraudulent extortion of money from expatriate workers.

President Muizzu has decided to close 96 massage parlors, while the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been suspended over sexual harassment allegations. Police have proposed designating the 'Dark Town' group as a criminal organization. Additionally, authorities are removing illegal vehicles in Hulhumalé, and five Indian nationals have been arrested in a liquor-related case. Investigations are ongoing into child sexual abuse allegations against Sunny Umar and fraud allegations against the manager of SJ Trade. Police also recovered a stolen car, seized illicitly imported cigarettes, and released the 2026 police calendar today.

An agreement was signed today to strengthen emergency preparedness and crisis management at Male' International Airport. Simultaneously, Customs seized a large quantity of illicitly imported cigarettes. Additionally, police released statistics regarding public inquiries and investigations conducted during 2025.

Today's security developments include the graduation of 344 National Service trainees and a cooperation agreement between the Police and MACL for airport emergency response. Authorities arrested individuals in Male' and the atolls for drug offenses, robbery, and illegal foreign exchange trading, while a man named Hoodh was sentenced for terrorism. Additionally, the Aviation Security Command was renamed with expanded responsibilities, and new cases emerged involving assaults on police officers and child sexual abuse.

The Aviation Security Command has been renamed and assigned responsibility for port security. Additionally, a section of Asseyri Prison was designated as a remand facility today, and Commissioner of Police Naveen held a private meeting with a former Sri Lankan Member of Parliament.

Police have launched "Operation Riveli" to enhance security for the New Year, including special inspections of businesses operated by illegal migrants. While efforts to identify and regularize undocumented expatriates continue, police also destroyed a large quantity of confiscated vaping products today.