Move comes amid power struggle

The nephew of Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has been arrested for allegedly bribing politicians to challenge the ruling regime, the Opposition said on Wednesday, warning of further reprisals in the troubled honeymoon islands.

Faris Maumoon, an MP and son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was taken into custody after police searched his home in the capital Male on Tuesday.

The passport of another key Opposition figure, Qasim Ibrahim, a former ally of strongman Yameen, was also seized by the authorities.

Opposition parties aligned against Mr. Yameen issued a joint statement condemning the arrests.

Mr. Ibrahim had helped Mr. Yameen win a controversial 2013 run-off election against Mohamed Nasheed, the head of the main Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

But after a fallout, Mr. Ibrahim joined the growing ranks unifying behind Mr. Nasheed and the MDP to topple Mr. Yameen.