Social

The Criminal Court ruled on 28 December 2025 that all 94 charges filed by the state against Hassan Mamdhooh (Mandey) in connection with the K-Park Residence project fraud case are proven. In this case, he has been found guilty of a large number of fraud and deception charges, and this is a ruling made in a case where apartments were fraudulently sold to various parties. The court made this decision after considering the evidence in the case, confirming his guilt on all charges. With this ruling, Mandey is expected to receive a lengthy prison sentence, and this is an important case that has concluded in connection with a major housing fraud in the Maldives.

A case of burglary at the Maldivian office in Haa Alif. Horafushi, where items were stolen, was reported to the police on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Reports indicate that the office safe was damaged and some money was stolen in this incident, which occurred at night. Police are currently searching the area and conducting investigations to find the perpetrators. No information has yet been released by official authorities regarding any arrests made in connection with this incident.

The Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development commenced the handover of keys for 399 flats completed under the Gedhoruveriyaa (Homeowner) Project on December 28, 2025. These flats are among the units being handed over in different phases, and these are the ones that are now fully completed. Today's phase includes those who were selected by lottery from the eligible parties for these 399 units. The Ministry informs that this project is an important undertaking by the government to provide a solution to the public's housing issue, and that the remaining flats will also be handed over in the coming days.

Police arrested two people on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in connection with a case where a person was injured and thrown into the sea in the Rasfannu area of Male'. Police inform that the injured person is receiving treatment at IGMH, while the incident occurred sometime in the morning of that day. The two people arrested in this case are two Maldivian men, and police are currently conducting further investigations to determine the cause of the incident.

The Elections Commission officially launched a "TikTok" competition today to increase awareness of the Local Council Elections scheduled to be held next year. This competition, announced on December 28, 2025, mainly aims to interest young people in electoral matters and to raise public awareness about the importance of voting. The Commission informs that participation in this competition, which starts as the Council Elections are underway, is through submitting short videos created with electoral information. This competition will facilitate the widespread dissemination of election information through modern means.

The 25th National Cadet Camp 2025, jointly organized by the Cadet Corps of Maldives and the Ministry of Education, officially commenced on Sunday, December 28, in K. Girifushi. This camp is a program conducted with the aim of cultivating discipline, ethics, and leadership qualities among students, and revitalizing national spirit, with the participation of a large number of cadets from schools in different parts of Maldives. The camp, which is being held at the MNDF training center in Girifushi, is designed to provide cadets with various types of training and skills they need.

On Sunday, 28 December 2025, police arrested a foreigner belonging to a foreign country while he was illegally trading cigarettes in the Maldives. During the search conducted by the relevant authorities in connection with this case, a large quantity of cigarettes was found, and it was revealed that this was a business being conducted in violation of the laws and regulations of the Maldives. The police are now further investigating the case to see if others are involved in this act. Law enforcement agencies have launched special efforts to stop such illegal businesses.

The Cyber Crime Center of the Maldives Police Service announced on December 28th that it had provided assistance to more than 1,000 people in 2025. The center has provided the necessary technical and legal assistance to victims of various cybercrimes and fraudulent schemes throughout the year. It was also noted that significant progress has been made in investigating a large number of cases and identifying perpetrators in these efforts to protect the public from cybercrimes. This result is proof that the work being done in the Maldives against technology-assisted crimes has been further strengthened.

Hassan Azuhar was arrested in connection with numerous cases of fraud and deception, and his remand was extended after he was presented to court on Sunday, December 28, 2025, to decide on his detention. He is accused in these cases, which are being investigated by the police, of obtaining financial gains by deceiving various parties. The court ordered him to be kept in custody as it is believed that he could obstruct the investigation of the case and pose a threat to the safety of the society. Police are still working to obtain further details of this case.

Preparations are now complete to begin the practical work of constructing the new "Interactive Immersive Museum" being established in the Maldives in January. Designed using modern technology, this museum will be opened in a way that provides the public with different experiences, and all preparations required to start the project next month have now been completed. It is believed that this museum will bring great progress to the tourism and cultural sectors of the Maldives.

The "Reading Nook," officially opened today at the Hiyaa Park in Hulhumalé, is a place opened with the aim of cultivating the habit of reading among the residents of the area and establishing a pleasant environment for reading. The ceremony held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, to inaugurate this place was attended by relevant officials, and this is an important step taken to enhance the social vibrancy of Hiyaa neighborhood. This small library or reading nook is designed to be accessible to people of all ages, with arrangements for easy access to books. This project has opened up new opportunities for children and youth living in Hiyaa flats to enrich information.

Izam, who has been announced by the police to be searched for nine times, voluntarily appeared at the police station and surrendered to the security forces today. After being on the run for many days, he voluntarily confessed to the police and surrendered on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Further investigations and legal actions that the police need to take in connection with this case are now underway. It is noted that the police have previously sought public assistance on various occasions to find Izam.

The work of developing and repairing the Tsunami Bina area on the west side of Male' was officially handed over to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) today. At the ceremony held on 28 December 2025, the project was handed over to MTCC with the aim of improving and further enhancing the quality of the area, as it is a place visited by many people. It is reported that under this project, repairs and beautification works will be carried out in the area including the Bina.

The fire that broke out today at a garbage dump in the Villingili industrial area has now been completely extinguished by the MNDF Fire and Rescue Service's efforts. Soldiers and civilians worked together to control the fire that broke out in the garbage in the area where the incident occurred, and no reports have been received of anyone being injured in the incident. While work is currently underway to cool the area after the fire was extinguished, relevant authorities are investigating to determine the cause of the incident.

As part of the efforts by the police against narcotics, some people were arrested in a special operation conducted in Villimale' on Sunday, 28 December 2025. This operation was a round-the-clock activity conducted in connection with information received by police intelligence that narcotics were being traded and used in Villimale'. Items suspected to be narcotics have been found in the possession of the people arrested in this case, and the police are now completing further investigations into the matter. The police are continuously conducting such operations in that ward in order to maintain the peace of Villimale'.

Former Minister of Economy Mohamed Saeed, who is imprisoned in Maafushi Prison, expressed concern on December 28, 2025, stating that his rights are being curtailed. Saeed's legal team has revealed that among the complaints Saeed highlighted are the lack of adequate healthcare and obstacles to meeting with family and lawyers. An official complaint has been filed with the relevant authorities regarding this matter, and Saeed has called for the improvement of prison conditions. Although the government has not yet commented on these complaints, his supporters are expressing concern over Saeed's safety and security.

Today (December 28, 2025), in connection with the special activities taking place in the Malé area, the Maldives Police Service has made changes to road traffic and parking arrangements. To reduce road congestion and for public safety, driving and parking are prohibited on some roads, and a large number of police officers have begun to operate to maintain traffic flow in important areas. In addition, special routes have been designated for public transport vehicles, and instructions have been given to take action against vehicles that park illegally.

Today, December 28, 2025, significant changes have been brought to the media programming of the Maldives, and special content has begun to be shown in conjunction with the New Year. These changes include the introduction of new educational, entertaining, and Dhivehi culture- showcasing programs by various TV channels in the Maldives. These special programs are aimed at providing useful information and entertainment to Maldivian families and youth. In addition, the programs that started today are an effort to bring quality productions to the public using digital media resources.

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, it is noted that important scholarly discussions took place regarding religious and social ethical standards. In these meetings, ideas were widely exchanged regarding the role of religious principles and social etiquettes in strengthening society and protecting human dignity. And the day's commentaries emphasized the importance of maintaining good moral qualities while facing modern challenges.

The first group traveling to perform Umrah under the auspices of Maldives Hajj Corporation departed from the Maldives on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The Umrah pilgrims participating in this trip are scheduled to depart from Velana International Airport, and this group includes a large number of Maldivians. The Hajj Corporation has organized this trip with all the necessary facilities for the Umrah pilgrims, to spend about ten days in Saudi Arabia. This is an important trip that began today as part of the Umrah trips that the corporation conducts openly for the public.

Police and relevant authorities began investigating a case on 28 December 2025 regarding an alleged incident of child abuse during a TikTok live. In connection with this video circulating on social media, the Ministry of Social and Family Development is taking relevant measures to ensure the child's safety. While police are conducting special operations to identify the cause of the incident and the parties involved, relevant authorities have urged vigilance against such abuse against children. Official authorities inform that further details of this case, which has caused concern among the public, will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.

On December 28, 2025, significant progress was made in development projects and efforts to strengthen local infrastructure, initiated by island councils in various parts of the Maldives. Under these projects, the councils are actively working to expand basic services in the islands and establish infrastructure that will provide social and economic benefits. These efforts were important activities carried out that day to provide the essential resources needed for the development of the islands within the framework of decentralization.

Today (December 28, 2025), Customs seized a large quantity of drugs that were being smuggled into the Maldives hidden inside chocolate syrup bottles. These items were found during the inspection of parcels brought into the Maldives by air, and police and customs are currently conducting further investigations in connection with this case. Security services are taking special measures to be vigilant about new methods used to conceal drugs and to prevent such activities.

On December 28, 2025, the Ministry of Education made changes to the student holiday periods and published reports on population statistics. Under these changes, amendments have been made to the academic calendar, and these are important changes brought about in view of the population ratio to strengthen the planning of the education sector. In addition, these reports include details of the student population and changes in the educational status of the atolls. These decisions will have a significant impact on next year's teaching schedule and the administration of schools.

In connection with the various violent acts targeting the police on Sunday, December 28, 2025, some of the perpetrators have surrendered themselves to the police. In these incidents, some officers sustained various injuries due to disturbances that obstructed police duties, and security forces have taken strict measures in connection with this matter. Law enforcement agencies have stated that those who caused the unrest began to surrender themselves to the security forces in connection with the strengthening of police operations and the expansion of efforts to find the perpetrators. Work is now underway to take legal action against those involved in this case.

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has publicly announced significant amendments to the regulations for providing allowances to single parents on December 28, 2025. The main objective of these amendments is to further strengthen state assistance to those most in need and to modernize the procedures for granting allowances. With these new changes, positive changes have been brought to the conditions for applying for financial assistance and the standards for determining allowances for single parents. NSPA has stated that with the implementation of these amendments, the services provided to single parents through the social security system will be expedited and more transparent.

A case of theft involving a large amount of Bank of Maldives (BML) funds from Velana International Airport came to light on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Information indicates that this incident occurred while the bank's funds were being transported within the airport, and relevant authorities are conducting a special investigation into the matter. Police and airport security are working together to determine the total amount of money lost in the theft and to identify those involved. As this is a serious incident that occurred in a security-tight area like the airport, security in the area has been further strengthened.

The court rejected the bail request submitted by Vikram, who was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, at the hearing held on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The judge overseeing the case refused to release him from custody and ruled that there was evidence that could obstruct the investigation and that it was believed to be a threat to the safety of society. With this decision, it has been decided that Vikram will remain in custody until the investigation of the case is completed or a decision is made by the trial.