An Indian news agency has reported that former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor's attempt to flee the country was foiled by a crewman aboard 'Virgo 9' , the tugboat onboard of which Adeeb sailed to India.
The Singapore-registered tugboat stopped at Maldives on the way back to India after unloading gravel in Indonesia. Records show the boat was anchored off Hulhumale' this Saturday.
Adeeb was detained in Tuticorin, India on Thursday by Indian authorities aboard the tugboat on which he was pretending to be part of the crew. There were nine crewman aboard the boat at the time, out of which ane was an Indian national and the remaining eight were Indonesian nationals.
According to 'Mumbai Mirror', the Indian crew member told the tugboat’s agent about the new crew member onboard, who then alerted India custom and coast guard.
The news agency did not report that Adeeb was arrested, however, it said that Adeeb was detained and quizzed by officials from the customs, the Coast Guard and intelligence agencies. The newspaper cited officials stating that Adeeb would most likely be sent back to the Maldives.
A statement released by Maldives Police on Wednesday said Adeeb was detained by Indian authorities after he reached India via sea route, while he had been summoned by the police for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation. His passport has also been withheld by Maldives Immigration on Supreme Court order due to ongoing cases, said the police.
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.
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'.
Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor aboard the Virgo 9 tugboat
