Head of Maleesha Hajj group Ismail Abdul 'Maalu' Latheef who had fled the country after collecting money from several individuals promising them Hajj pilgrimage has been arrested in Sri Lanka.

Maldives Police Service has not yet confirmed of his arrest. Haveeru has found out that he was arrested from Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Police had revealed that it obtained a court order to arrest the head of Maleesha Hajj group. Meanwhile Interpol has issued red notice for his arrest.

Police had earlier said 60 people had filed formal complaints that the group which did not acquire the permission to send people for pilgrimage this year had collected money. (source: haveeru)