Maldives oil tanker suspect to remain in custody over ‘witness threat’
The oil tanker was suspected of illegally supplying North Korea.
10 Jul 2018, 9:00 AM
A Maldives businessman allegedly connected with an oil tanker suspected of illegally supplying North Korea is to be kept in detention because he may threaten witnesses, a court heard Tuesday.
The oil tanker incident occurred in March, when Japan alerted the UN Security Council of the suspected transfer of goods from a tanker operating under a Maldivian flag to a North Korean vessel.
Authorities repeatedly and vehemently denied the tanker was registered in the Maldives. The country’s transport authority said there was no record of the Xin Yuan 18 ever being registered there and that it did not offer ‘flag of convenience’ services to vessels operating outside its waters.
Abdulla Fahmy was arrested that month, but was granted a conditional release on medical grounds.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
