Maldives Police Service has revealed that over USD 250,000 and MVR 150,000 were found from a bag belonging to Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed.
Eight people are in custody on allegations of bribing parliamentarians, judges and influencing judicial rulings, Maldives Police revealed at a press conference. In this regard, the Maldives Police arrested former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Judge Abdulla Saeed, Judge Ali Hameed, Parliamentarians Faris Maumoon and Abdulla Sinan, Judicial Administrator Hassan Saeed, Ibrahim Siyad Qasim and Fathimath Nasira.
Solid evidence have been obtained which proves former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom provided financial assistance to Judge Ali Hameed and his family, Spokesperson of Police Ahmed Shifan said at the press briefing held to disseminate information regarding the investigations on the organised coup attempt.
Furthermore, the Spokesperson said Maldives Police found documents showing Ali Hameed accepted a loan aid from a business company worth USD 2.4 million. Shifan said Faris Maumoon was involved in bribing Supreme Court Judges to overthrow the Government and that investigators have recovered sufficient evidence regarding the allegations.
In addition, Maldives Police uncovered critical evidence and information crucial to the investigation from a black suitcase which was removed from the residence of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The Police Service has asked the public to reach out to the institute with information which could augment the investigation process and expressing gratitude for the support of citizens in this critical time.