Maldives Police Service have revealed that the authority has begun efforts to extradite former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor back to Maldives.
Adeeb was arrested in Tuticorin, India in a special operation executed by Indian authorities as he attempted to flee in a tug boat.
In a statement released by the police, the authority said Adeeb fled the country while he had been summoned to the police headquarters for questioning. His passport has also been withheld by Maldives Immigration on the order of the Supreme Court due to an ongoing case.
The police said they are working with friendly nations to bring Adeeb back to Maldives. The statement also read that the police will investigate those who aided Adeeb in fleeing the country and assured that necessary action will be taken against those involved.
Adeeb fled to India after the courts recently dismissed all convictions against him. However, he is still under investigation over several criminal allegations, including his involvement in the MMPRC graft in which billions in state funds were embezzled.
Tugboat 'Virgo 9', on which Adeeb is said to have traveled to India is currently docked at Tuticorin harbor. However, the boat was anchored near Hulhumale' this Saturday.
Adeeb and his spouse Aishath Nashwa recently traveled to India for medical purposes amid public concerns that he would attempt to flee the country during the trip. While said trip took place with the permission of Maldives Correctional Services while he was still under their custody, his doctors recommended him to return to India in six months for follow up.
Upon his return to Maldives after concluding the medical trip, Adeeb had proclaimed that he was 'not one to flee'.
