Maldives police said today it had launched an investigation into the attempt to “overthrow the government” of Maldives.
Police said it had brought former president of Maldives Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Al Ustaz Abdhullah Saeed, Supreme Court judge Ali Hameed among others into custody to investigate the case.
“During the investigation, 30 people have been questioned and 15 locations searched,” police said.
The police added that it had “found evidence” against judicial administrator Hassan Saeed Hussain, saying that it had recovered a large amount of cash under his mattress in his house.
“Documentary has been found which revealed Hassan Saeed Hussain received substantial amount of money to bribe judges,” police said in a statement.
“A bag containing $215,000 and 150,000 in Maldivian currency has been recovered from Supreme Court judge Ali Hameed Mohamed,” it added.
The police said $2.4 million was wired to Ali Hameed as a “loan” from a commercial company in the Maldives to buy a flat.
Former president Gayoom was providing “financial assistance” to Hameed and his family, the police alleged.
“During the investigation, a black suitcase was discovered in Ms Najma’s residence who is an employee of former president Gayoom,” police said.
“In addition, documentary evidence was found in the bag that showed individuals in the case had brought apartments abroad,” police claimed.
