Maldives former VP Ahmed Adeeb pleads guilty, sentenced to 20 years in corruption case

Male: A court in Maldives has sentenced Ahmed Adeeb, the former vice president of the country, to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to corruption.

The Criminal Court on Monday night also fined Ahmed Adeeb $129,800 (Rs. 95 lakh approx.). The prison sentence also covered charges of money laundering and embezzlement of funds.

Adeeb served the post under the former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom during his presidency between 2013 and 2018.

"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," Ahmed Adeeb said during his testimony.

Adeeb was first arrested after a mysterious blast in the presidential speed boat in which Yameen's wife was wounded. He had been sentenced to 33 years in prison in 2016 for several counts including the blast. However, he was freed from all charges after Yameen lost reelection in 2018.

After the election, many cases perceived to be politically motivated were reopened under the order of the new President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih.

Adeeb, who was released after freed of charges, however testified against Yameen in court saying he was party to the corruption under his former boss, who is serving a five-year prison term for having facilitated Adeeb to launder $1 million obtained through corrupt deals.