Former President Mohamed Waheed, who had a close relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has resigned as President Mohamed Muizzu's Special Envoy.
Waheed sought political and financial advice from Epstein when he was President. He maintained the relationship after the presidency ended and tried to get funds and build a luxury island in the Maldives.
In a statement from the former President's office, Waheed said he regretted his relationship with Epstein, but insisted that he had not participated in any crime. Waheed said he only had a formal relationship with Epstein.
"President Waheed and his family have not attended any social [informal] meetings or parties with Epstein," the statement said.
It added that Waheed met Epstein to pave the way for financial assistance to the Maldives, but actual financial transactions did not take place.
Epstein was convicted and jailed in 2008 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old. Waheed said he was unaware of Epstein's conviction and would not have had any contact if he had known that Epstein was "such a disgusting man."
Waheed's statement added that he met Epstein in September 2012 and May 2014. But documents prove that a third meeting took place.
