Former Maldivian Vice President Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Embezzlement and Money Laundering

A Major Victory Against Corruption in the Maldives

Ahmed Adeeb, a former vice president of the Maldives, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of money laundering, embezzlement, corruption, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The Criminal Court also fined him $129,800.

A Convicted Felon with a Troubled Past

Adeeb served as vice president from 2013 to 2018 under former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. In 2016, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison for masterminding a blast in a presidential speedboat. However, after Yameen lost the presidency in 2018, Adeeb was freed from all charges and later testified against his former boss, revealing details of their corrupt dealings.

A Guilty Plea and a Confession

In August 2019, Adeeb admitted to laundering $1 million obtained through a corrupt deal leasing out an island for tourist resort development. He claimed that the company had transferred the money to Yameen’s account on his advice. “The things I am saying in court today, I don’t mind getting a sentence for saying these things. The public should get their funds back,” Adeeb said during his testimony.

A Major Blow to Corruption and a Victory for Democracy

Yameen is currently serving a five-year prison term for facilitating Adeeb’s illegal activities. The Maldivian government has been working to root out corruption and restore the country’s democracy, which was eroded under Yameen’s presidency. The case against Adeeb is seen as a major victory in this effort, highlighting the need for accountability at the highest levels of government.

A Notorious Fugitive

Adeeb had attempted to flee the Maldives illegally after his initial release but was detained by the Indian coast guard and deported back to the country, where he was immediately arrested and recharged. His guilty plea on all counts marks a significant departure from his previous claims of innocence.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Ahmed Adeeb is a major milestone in the fight against corruption in the Maldives. It sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt activities will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status. The Maldivian government’s efforts to restore democracy and root out corruption are yielding positive results, and this case serves as an important reminder of the importance of accountability at all levels of government.