Aala Ibrahim Rasheed, 33, a former journalist from Loozan, S. Hithadhoo, has been arrested and remanded by the Criminal Court for allegedly using counterfeit bank payment slips in an attempt to conduct business. She was ordered held for 15 days following a detention hearing on July 18.
According to the court order, Aala is suspected of fraud and obtaining services through illegitimate means. Investigators allege she sent falsified payment documentation to complete transactions. Prosecutors argued that her release would pose a public safety risk, citing multiple similar investigations pending against her.
This marks Aala’s return to custody after an earlier run-in with the law: in 2018, during her tenure as a journalist, she was arrested by police in Malé and Hulhumalé carrying three kilograms of illegal drugs. At the time, authorities launched an anti-trafficking operation, suspecting her involvement in trafficking networks.
Under Maldivian criminal procedure, the court has discretion to impose pretrial detention when defendants are deemed flight risks or threats to public safety, particularly when facing serious charges—ranging from fraud to drug-related offenses. Prosecutors may also file for conditional or indefinite detention under Article 66(b)(6) of the Criminal Procedure Code if reviews suggest continued risk.
With her detention now underway, law enforcement will intensify evidence gathering—including bank records, transaction details, and witness testimony—while prosecutors prepare formal charges. The 15-day remand gives the Criminal Court time to assess whether the allegations are substantiated enough to continue holding her or release if conditions are warranted.
