Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has appealed the court order to freeze his bank.
Maldives Police Service revealed close to USD 6.5 million in bank accounts owned by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has been frozen as part of the ongoing investigations regarding the cases of financial fraud and illegal transactions that have taken place during the term of his presidency.
Speaking at a press conference held at the office of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), on behalf of the legal team of Yameen, Aishath Azima Shakoor confirmed the court order to freeze the bank has been appealed at the High Court. Deputy Leader of PPM Aishath Azima Shakoor further revealed the whole investigation is believed to be politically motivated, adding the court order contradicts with the rights guaranteed in the constitution.
Moreover, Azima Shakoor noted the former president was not questioned regarding the funds in the accounts, expressing there is no reason to freeze the accounts. Azima added the police did not clarify his alleged connection with the money laundering scandal of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
The former president has said the funds in his bank accounts are valid and expressed dismay the police made public his personal financial details.