Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has revealed that the transaction between a North Korean oil tanker and an oil tanker flying a Maldivian flag was a 'premeditated crime'.
Addressing a press briefing Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar said it was a staged attempt by individuals to defame Maldives, which coincided with the State of Emergency declared on February 5. The Maldivian Defence Minister revealed relevant authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the case.
The Minister noted, the authorities of Maldives do not allow flags of convenience to foreign owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters. He concluded by stating that Maldives Police Service is also investigating the case on suspicion of criminal activity.