Solih: No obstacle preventing the govt. from recovering funds even if I pardoned Adeeb

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that although former vice president Ahmed Adeeb—who was convicted in connection with the large-scale MMPRC corruption scandal—was granted a presidential pardon, no legal obstacles are preventing the current administration from recovering the lost state funds.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside former presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and Mohamed Nasheed, Solih maintained that the pardon granted to Adeeb was issued strictly in accordance with the law. He noted that during his administration, a presidential commission had been established to investigate the MMPRC case, resulting in the completion of multiple investigations and the prosecution of several individuals. Solih added that, prior to issuing the pardon, due consideration had been given to the portion of the sentence already served as well as recommendations made by the Maldives Correctional Service.

“The pardon I granted to Adeeb applied only to the criminal aspect of the case. The other side of it involves the civil recovery of funds. Those matters should remain at the stage of investigation and adjudication,” Solih said.

He further questioned why the current administration has not pursued efforts to recover the funds, emphasizing that there is nothing legally preventing such action.

Reflecting on the country’s current situation, Solih said the three former presidents felt compelled to unite because they believe the direction taken by the present administration has significantly worsened national conditions. He also acknowledged that his own administration may not have been flawless or fully met public expectations, admitting there could be legitimate concerns regarding certain decisions made during his tenure.

Solih reiterated that while legal concessions had been granted to Adeeb as well as others, efforts to recover state funds should not be abandoned.

Notably, Adeeb shared a social media post on Friday night containing a photograph of the three former presidents accompanied by a suggestive caption.

“After tonight's meeting of the three presidents, I too have many stories to tell about them!” he wrote.

Solih pardoned both Adeeb and Abdulla Ziyath—who were convicted over their involvement in the MMPRC scandal—in late 2023, near the conclusion of his presidency. When Solih assumed office in 2018, both men were serving prison sentences before later being transferred to house arrest under his administration.