Home Ministry: Russian hacker was

The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that Roman Seleznyov, wanted by the United States for cyber-fraud charges, was ‘sent from the Maldives’ in order to comply with a ‘red notice’ issued by the International Criminal Police Organisation, Interpol.

According to Russian paper RT, Roman was arrested at Male’ International Airport as he was about to board a flight to Moscow, and forced by US secret service agents to board a private plane to Guam.

Roman’s father, Valery Seleznyov, is a member of the lower house of parliament in Russia.

Home Ministry said in its statement that the Maldivian government has always taken heed of Interpol red notices, and will continue to investigate issues related to such notices and take action when necessary.

“A Russian national was sent from the Maldives on 5 July 2014 in relation to a red notice issued by Interpol. Relevant procedures and precedents were followed by Maldives Police Service when dealing with this case,” read the statement by the Home Ministry.

The Ministry also stressed that the Maldivian government respects international treaties, and will continue to work towards strengthening relations with friendly countries.