Over MVR 300,000 extorted through blackmail, threatening release of compromising photos

Police have arrested two suspects on drug-related charges, with one of them also being charged with blackmail, after he allegedly extorted over MVR 300,000 by threatening to release compromising photographs.

Police said that the two charges are being investigated as separate cases.

The two suspects arrested by the Police have been identified as Mohamed Fawaz Lutfi, 32, Lilygasdhoshuge, S. Feydhoo and Aminath Fainaz, 33, M. Yellow Diamond, Male'.

Fawaz was arrested on charges of blackmail, threatening behaviour, extortion and drug sales, Police said.

Fainaz, meanwhile, was arrested for drug sales.

Police said that they received reports on December 19, 2024, of Fawaz blackmailing a Maldivian man with threats of releasing compromising photos of him and through this, extorting over MVR 300,000 from him.

Police said that they conducted extensive investigations in the case. This includes a search of Fawaz's residence in Hulhumale' under a court order, where police found multiple SIM cards, mobile phones and rubber packets containing substances believed to be drugs and drug use paraphernalia.

Further, a rubber packet containing a substance suspected to be drugs was also found in the clothes worn at the time by Fainaz, Police said.

When presented in court for their remand hearing, both have been placed in remand in custody for seven days.