33-year-old arrested for 100th time, for stealing watches

A 33-year-old Maldivian man has been arrested for stealing wristwatches and a mobile phone – marking his 100th arrest for a crime.

The suspect was brought before the Criminal Court for his remand hearing on Wednesday.

Court documents show that his latest arrest is on suspicion of theft. The police told the court they found his carrying four stolen wristwatches and a mobile phone inside the pockets of his pants.

 But the suspect denied the allegation against him.

He told the court that he went to the house where he is accused of stealing the items from at the invitation of a friend. He also claimed that he had picked up the phone from the street.

Court documents show he has an extensive criminal record. His prior 99 arrests led to 39 detentions.

The court remanded him in custody of the police for 15 days. His detention period expires on September 26.