Former President Abdulla Yameen has been convicted bribery and money laundry by the Criminal Court today.

In the Vaavu atoll Aarah case, Yameen was alleged of accepting USD 1 million in bribes and accused of laundering the same. Alongside, Former MP Yousuf Naeem was also charged with bribery in the same case.

In the final hearing today, the Criminal Court today ruled that the cheque issued by Yousuf Naeem was deposited in Yameen’s bank account.

Criminal court’s judgment said, though Yameen says the money was received for political purposes, receipt of this money has not been reflected in Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) financial accounts. The judgment also stated that funds deposited into Yameen’s account was received while a company owned by Yousuf Naeem had negotiated a lease for Vaavu atoll Aarah.

Maldives Constitution prohibits an incumbent president from conducting business or obtaining financial gains. Hence stated that it was proven that Yameen have sought bribes in the Aarah case.