The legal team of former President Abdulla Yameen has refused involvement in the latest police investigation launched against him.
The former president was summoned to the headquarters of Maldives Police Service (MPS) on July 11 and July 12, in relation to an investigation on the sale of Aarah, Vaavu Atoll through Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The legal team of the former president called the investigation unlawful, as charges have already been pressed in relation to the case, which makes this is a repeat investigation. Therefore, the legal team stated it has refused involvement in the investigation.
On May 2, Maldives Police Service (MPS) had forwarded charges against former President Yameen over the embezzlement of USD 1 million during the lease of Aarah for resort development. The embezzlement of funds acquired from the lease of Aarah was uncovered during the investigation of the MMPRC corruption scandal.
Former President Yameen is already serving a 5-year prison sentence, after the Criminal Court of the Maldives found him guilty of laundering USD 1 million received as the acquisition cost for the lease of Vodamula, Gaafu Alifu Atoll for resort development through MMPRC. He is also currently under trial for another case of money laundering and accepting USD 1.1 million in bribes for the lease of Fuhgiri, Raa Atoll, for resort development through MMPRC.