Maldives Police Service on Thursday announced that efforts were underway to extradite former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, who was apprehended by Indian authorities in a tug boat at Tuticorin port, India, after a foiled escape attempt.
Indian police revealed that Adeeb, who was acquitted in the MVR 1.3 billion embezzlement case of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), was being questioned over an alleged attempt at entering India illegally without the legal permits or required documents.
A statement revealed by the Police confirmed that Adeeb was detained by Indian authorities after he had fled to India via a sea route while his passport was withheld and he was ordered to answer a summons on Wednesday.
Additionally, the statement assured that Police was working with foreign countries to extradite Adeeb, adding that measures will be taken against those who aided in the ex-VP's escape.
Although all the charges against ex-VP Adeeb were dropped, clearing him from serving a jail sentence of 33 years, the state appealed one case regarding the MMPRC fraud at the Supreme Court.
The court ordered authorities to withhold Adeeb's passport until the conclusion of his trial.
Recently, Adeeb traveled to India for medical treatment with permission from government authorities while he was under house arrest, sending the public into an uproar claiming that the government was giving Adeeb a chance to flee.
After his arrival in Maldives, Adeeb tweeted assurances that he would not evade his responsibilities and that he intended to accept ongoing investigations. Adeeb also expressed his love for the country in this statement.