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Ex-Prez denies Aarah graft, claims money came from exchange transaction

Mohamed Rehan
12 April 2022, MVT 15:22
Embattled former President denies allegations of accepting bribery on Aarah lease case-- Photo: Mihaaru
Mohamed Rehan
12 April 2022, MVT 15:22

The former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has denied allegations of graft related to the lease of Vaavu atoll Aarah.

According to the embattled ex-president, he had not accepted any form of bribery and the money he received into the account was from a currency exchange transaction.

In fact, Gayoom's legal representatives affirmed that the lumpsum amount deposited into his account was transaction of purchasing US Dollar. The statement was made at Tuesday's hearing at the Maldives Criminal Court regarding the case.

Gayoom is tried for one account of money laundering and one account of bribery related to the lease of Vaavu Aarah.

Maldives state has alleged that the former statesman accepted a bribe of USD1 million, which was deposited into his personal bank account as proof of completion of the lease transaction.

Defense attorney during Tuesday's hearing claimed that though Gayoom is alleged with graft in leasing Aarah, the island was leased in accordance to existing guidelines by authorities holding mandate for such proceedings.

However, prosecution countered defense attorney's argument, claiming that Gayoom's position as a the country's executive legally restricted him from conducting business or engage in any commercial endeavors.

Defense counter-argued to this by claiming it was irrelevant to the case, which the judges had also conceded.

Meanwhile, the legal representative of former Felidhoo MP Yoosuf Naeem, who is charged with bribery, advocate Hamza Latheef had argued that the transactions between Gayoom and Naeem had not connection with the transaction made by the lessee company of Aarah.

The company in question was partly owned by Naeem, as he was an active shareholder.

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