The former Chief of Staff at the President’s Office Ahmed Musthafa has been arrested today.  

Maldives Police Service has reported that the arrest was made at Velana International Airport with regards to a pending investigation this afternoon at around 4 pm.

Police have informed that Musthafa has been arrested on charges of attempting to pressure and scare witnesses in a pending investigation. The investigation was on charges of accepting bribery in leasing an island  for purposes of tourism as well as using authority of position to acquire illegal benefits.

Additionally, Police are also investigating a case where previously, a vehicle gifted by the government of Saudi Arabia to the President of Maldives was registered to Musthafa. While it is unsure as to what the conclusion of this case was, it has been reported that the case was submitted to Police by the Anti Corruption Commission.

Maldives Police Service have also reported that Musthafa’s arrest has been made through a court order.