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Ex-pres Yameen questioned over 1.4 bln money laundering case: Police

Mariyam Malsa
28 February 2020, MVT 21:21
Former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS / MIHAARU
Mariyam Malsa
28 February 2020, MVT 21:21

Maldives Police Service, on Thursday, revealed that former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was summoned for questioning over an investigation into a MVR 1.4 billion money laundering case.

The former president was questioned for approximately three-hours at the police headquarters on Thursday.

The police refuted claims by member of Yameen's legal team and former vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel, clarifying that Yameen was not questioned concerning any case for which court procedure is ongoing.

Dr Jameel had asserted that the former president was questioned concerning the money laundering case for which charges were already pressed.

In December 2019, the Criminal Court sentenced Yameen to five years in prison and a fine of USD 5 million, on money laundering charges concerning the embezzlement of MVR 3.3 billion from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The former president's appeal case is currently ongoing.

Detailing the charges, the police stated that Yameen is accused of laundering USD 77,504,912 in acquisition costs for resorts and lagoons leased for tourism development through MMPRC. Additionally, he also stands accused of laundering MVR 1,900,000 which MMPRC loaned out to an individual as well as MVR 22,704,546 alloted for the purchase of dollars.

A further USD 1,118,000 acquired as a bribe during the Tourism Ministry and MMPRC's deal to lease Fuh'giri, Raa Atoll.

The police disclosed that Yameen was questioned concerning the aforementioned case previously as well. The aforementioned claims add up to MVR 1.4 billion.

As per the Criminal Procedure Code, the police are required to inform the accused and the individual's lawyers of the charges in written form.

The police statement regarding the matter urged against speaking of cases in any manner that cast doubt on the institutions procedures or encourage negative public opinions of the police.

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