Sri Lankan National Arrested at Velana International Airport After Allegedly Stealing Mobile Phone and MVR 25,000 From a Shop

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested at Velana International Airport (VIA) while allegedly attempting to leave the Maldives after stealing a mobile phone and MVR 25,000 from a shop in Malé, according to details outlined in a Criminal Court remand order.

The suspect, identified in court documents as Chandrasekaran Anthony, was detained by authorities at VIA shortly before boarding his outbound flight. Police submitted multiple pieces of evidence to the court, including the suspect’s flight ticket, CCTV videos, witness statements, and the victim’s formal complaint.

Investigators stated that Anthony had been employed at the same retail outlet from which the items were stolen. The stolen cash, MVR 25,000 was identified as the shop’s daily sales revenue, and staff members reportedly recognised him in the CCTV footage showing the alleged theft.

During the remand hearing, Anthony denied involvement, claiming he had resigned ten days earlier and was not present at the shop when the incident occurred. The court ordered his continued detention while the investigation proceeds.