Leaked audio reveals former ACC head was threatened

An audio clip where Anti Corruption Commission (ACC)'s former president Hassan Luthufee claims he left Maldives due to threats have been leaked.

While he was President of ACC, Luthufee failed to report to official duties for more than two months, and finally resigned this June just after the parliament's committee on Independent Institutions approved to dismiss him from his post.

A letter sent by the ACC to the parliament read that Luthufee last reported to work on February 6. While he was on leave until 14th April, and did not report back to work after his vacation.

It has been reported that Luthufee has been residing in Malaysia since then. He had not commented on his resignation nor why he moved to Malaysia.

However, a leaked audio clip on which Luthufee can be heard speaking to an unknown individual on the phone has revealed claims that Luthufee was threatened and had feared for his life.

During the phone call, the man accused Luthufee of living abroad after striking a deal with the government. Luthufee then responded, saying nobody knows what he has endured, disapproval apparent in his tone.

"What deal? Why is everyone talking about a deal? No one is aware of what I have gone through", said Luthufee.

His acquaintance then said there had been no news from Luthufee and that the only updates he receives are through the media.

Luthufee then confessed to the individual that he was threatened and warned that he will be framed.

"[They] came to my office and threatened me, they warned me that I will be framed and jailed. I was unable to sleep for countless nights due to phone calls threatening my life", Luthufee described his ordeal.

However, Luthufee did not disclose who made the threats against him.

"I left Maldives when there was no other option left to save my life", said Luthufee

The individual then questioned Luthufee why he did not inform anyone of the ongoing threats.

"Who do I contact and what do I tell?", asked Luthufee.

"There is nothing that could have been done even if I had spoken about it. It is now useless to talk to anyone about anything", he continued.

He further clarified that he was not forced to leave the country due to a deal, and that he was even threatened and attacked on the streets.

"There was no deal -I even have photographic evidence that I was attacked on the streets, where I was nearly strangled", said Luthufee.

The individual then said he was not aware of the events that had taken place, and said he assumed "everyone gave statements for President Yameen".

"Due to threats", responded Luthufee.

It is not known when the phone call took place or who was on the line with Luthufee. However 'AVAS' can confirm that the phone call is authentic.

Luthufee's accusations has come into light while former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb who recently fled to India has claimed that he was forced by the current administration into signing false statements against heads of the previous government.

Adeeb was detained while he attempted to enter India on a tugboat on Friday.

He then sought asylum in India through the relevant offices of the United Nations, claiming that the Maldives police had been attempting to coerce him into making false statements that would amount to a false admission of guilt.

"It is of particular concern that following this the authorities forced him to sign an agreement with a clause that he could only receive necessary medical treatment if he signed the agreement", a statement released by the law firm representing Adeeb read.

The law firm has obtained a copy of the agreement in question, they revealed.

The statement further stated that Maldives is no longer safe for Adeeb and that there is credible evidence that he will be mistreated if returned to Maldives.

However, it has been reported by Indian media that Adeeb is being deported back to Maldives despite his pleas seeking asylum.