Malé, Maldives – Maldivian authorities on Monday ordered the arrest of former strongman president Abdulla Yameen over money laundering charges, officials said. ADVERTISEMENTThe arrest came after a court began a preliminary hearing into allegations that Yameen received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before he lost his re-election bid in September. During his five-year tenure, Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support as he came under criticism over his dismal human rights record. The court has already frozen Yameen’s local bank accounts holding about $6.5 million, a decision the former leader has contested. There was no immediate comment from Yameen or his legal team on the latest court order.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 18, 2019 12:00 UTC