Police: Qasim’s son arrested for suspected involvement in coup attempt

Ibrahim Siyad Qasim, son of the Chairman of Villa and leader of Jumhoory Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim, was arrested on charges of attempting to overthrow the legitimate government of Maldives, says Maldives Police Service.

Speaking at a press conference held by MPS last Sunday night, the Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shifan said total eight people have been detained for suspected involvement in the recent coup attempt, including Siyad.

“Those arrested for suspected involvement in the illegal attempt to overthrow the legitimate government of Maldives are; former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, [Chief Justice] Abdulla Saeed, [Supreme Court Judge] Ali Hameed Mohamed, [Judicial Administrator] Hassan Saeed Hussain, Fathimath Nasira, [Dhiggaru MP] Ahmed Faris Maumoon and [MP} Abdulla Sinan. And the police are looking for Ilham Ahmed from Orchidmaage in G. A. Gemanafushi in connection with the case,” said Shifan.

He said that 30 people have been questioned and 15 places searched for investigation into the case.

Shifan said the police have evidence proving the suspects involved in the case have purchased expensive apartments from abroad.

Siyad, who is the Managing Director of Villa Shipping, was arrested on Tuesday, February 6.