Former Vice President of Maldives Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor has been captured in Tuticorin, India while attempting to flee in a tug boat.
AVAS understands Adeeb traveled to India in the tug boat acting as a crew member. He was arrested in a special operation carried out by Indian police. However, no official authorities have confirmed the reports thus far.
Adeeb traveled to India after the courts dismissed multiple convictions against him, making him a free man. However, his passport has been withheld by Maldives Immigration due to ongoing investigations.
It has been reported that there was no news from Adeeb since Wednesday afternoon, and he did not attend a scheduled meeting at the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) where he was to give a statement for an investigation.
Recently, Adeeb traveled to India with his spouse for medical purposes with the permission of Maldives Correctional Service, prior to being freed. The doctors had recommended him to return to India in six months for follow up. Adeeb returned to Maldives after concluding his medical trip amid concerns that he would attempt to flee during the trip. Upon his arrival, he stated that he is not one to go into hiding.
While Adeeb has been arrested in India, he is accused of being involved in several criminal offences, including the MMPRC graft which saw billions in state funds being embezzled. While the investigation into the graft is still ongoing, none of the funds have been recovered thus far.
Adeeb is also suspected of being involved in the money laundering scandal for which former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom for which trial is currently ongoing. Adeeb has been named as a witness against Yameen in the case.
Former Vice President of Maldives Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor
