The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended former Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdul Baaree Yoosuf.
Currently a judge at the Juvenile Court, Judge Baaree was suspended by the judicial watchdog after Maldives Police Service informed the commission of a criminal probe into the judge.
The police are investigating leads that link the judge to the funds embezzled through Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC). The judge is accused of using embezzled funds for financial gain. JSC revealed the police has enough information to pursue an investigation against the judge.
Before reaching the decision to suspend the judge, the commission also concluded to begin disciplinary proceedings against Judge Baaree.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) previously looked into bribery allegations against the judge.
Baaree was noted as an influential judge when he was the Chief Judge at the Criminal Court. While he presided over the cases of several high profile politicians, heavy criticism was directed at the judge by politicians during the time.
It is believed that Judge Baaree was transferred to the Juvenile Court over a political dispute, as his transfer came shortly after he dismissed a charge raised against Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim.
