Interpol has issued a red notice to arrest Maldives' former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed. The police have confirmed that Interpol had issued the notice. However, they did not disclose the date the notice was issued. The notice has not been published on Interpol's website yet.
The police Thursday said they are working with the Prosecutor General's Office to do the needful regarding the red notice.
AVAS has learned that the police have been informed of Ali's current location and address.
Ali, who faces multiple sexual harassment charges, fled the country under the pretense of seeking medical treatment in February 2021 and is currently in the United Kingdom. Despite orders by both the Criminal Court and the Supreme Court to present himself to court, the former minister has not returned to the Maldives. As a result, the court issued an order seeking his arrest as he violated the terms of the arrangement that allowed him to seek medical treatment abroad, and due to his failure to attend court hearings. He is also guilty of contempt of court. The Criminal Court on January 27 issued a court order in English, which is required to arrest Ali in the UK.
Seven charges have been raised against the former tourism minister, who was dismissed from his post over sexual harassment allegations. The charges raised against Ali Waheed include inflicting sexual injury under Article 16 of Sexual Offences Act, attempted rape under Article 15 of the same act, indecent exposure under Section 132 of the Penal Code, sexual assault under Article 18 of the Sexual Offences Act, attempt to cause sexual assault under Article 19 of the Sexual Offences Act, and two counts of unlawful sexual conduct under section 412 and 81 of the Penal Code.
