SAHARANEWS – A court in Maldives, on Monday, ordered the immediate arrest and detention of former President Abdulla Yameen, on suspicion of money Laundering.
SaharaNews learnt that Mr. Yameen, who drew Maldives closer to China during his rule, is accused of receiving $1 million of government money through a private company, SOF Private Limited, which has been implicated in a corrupt deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development.
Mr. Yameen has, however, denied the allegations.
After a two-and-a-half hour remand hearing on Monday, prosecutors sought a court order to detain the former president.
The court ruled that Mr. Yameen, who appeared in person, should be taken into custody.
Preliminary hearings in his money-laundering trial are expected to begin this week.
More details later…