Maldives Police Service has revealed that evidence have been attained proving former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has tried to topple the lawfully elected government since 2015.
Substantial progress has been made in the investigation, Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shifan said in a news conference held to disseminate information on the latest updates on the investigation of the attempted coup. The police spokesperson revealed evidence have been attained which proves former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom initiated plans to topple the lawfully elected government when former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb assumed the post in 2015.
Furthermore, Superintendent Ahmed Shifan noted substantial evidence have been attained against the former President which proves that he has been involved in bribing members of the parliament in 2016 and 2017. Elaborating on the involvement of bribery in the attempted coup, the superintendent said evidence have been attained which proves Villa Group has been involved in bribing judges and employees of Maldivian courts.
Continuing on, the police spokesperson revealed substantial evidence have also been attained against former Commissioner of Police Ahmed Areef which proves he made preparations to execute the unlawful ruling of the Supreme Court. Shifan noted required changes to the police lineup and other administrative policies were implemented by Ahmed Areef to execute the ruling of the Supreme Court. Shifan also revealed over USD 2.4 million were found from a house related to Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed.
However, he did not further elaborate the details of the money found but police investigators had earlier revealed Justice Ali Hameed has made purchases which exceeds his income as a judge.