PG files charges against ex-VP Adeeb over attempt to flee country

The Prosecutor General has filed charges against former Vice President of Maldives Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor at the Criminal Court.

The charges were filed over his attempt to flee the country on a tugboat while a travel ban was imposed on him.

Prosecutor General's Ofice (PG) on Tuesday said Adeeb is being charged with obstruction of justice, and confirmed that the charges have been filed at the Criminal Court.

Adeeb attempted to flee to Tuticorin, India while disguised as a member of the crew on a tugboat named 'Virgo 9'. After he was discovered by Indian authorities, he was returned to Maldives. The Supreme Court has since ordered to detain him at a remand jail until the end of his corruption trial over the Maabinhuraa corruption case as he remains a flight risk.

Adeeb remains a subject of investigation for alleged misappropriation of state funds, corruption and money. He is also a state witness against former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, and testified in court against the former president last Tuesday. In his testimony, he confessed to having carried out illegal activities on President Yameen's order.