Monday
18th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Prosecutor General’s Office stated that they will not be prosecuting SOF Pvt Ltd concerning the MMPRC scandal.
MMPRC scandal is the biggest corruption case that the Maldives has faced, with millions in state funds earned through leasing islands and lagoons embezzled from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). State funds were laundered and deposited into multiple accounts through SOF Pvt Ltd. This scandal took place during the tenure of former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom it was planned by former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb and MMPRC former Managing Director Abdullah Zeeyath.
This was stated during the hearing of the appeal case filed by Yameen regarding his money laundering conviction at the Supreme Court this morning. The decision was made after questioning the state and from the answers they provided.
Judge Dr. Azmiralda Zahir questioned the State whether it carried out any investigation into SOF and if charges were pursued against the company. Responding to this question, the Public Prosecutor of state said that SOF has acted as a middle-man in the MMPRC scandal. When the case was first being investigated, SOF executives were not in the country, therefore, the executives of the company.
Public Prosecutor Ahmed Naufal said the State had decided against prosecuting SOF as the State requires cooperation from those involved from SOF therefore, those who were involved have been questioned again
Judge Dr. Azmiralda Zahir inquired from the State why they decided not to prosecute SOF? Responding to the question, Public Prosecutor Ahmed Naufal said only the transactions made through cheques can be traced by the State. However, the state believed that to track back the rest of the money cooperation or testimonies of those involved from SOF is needed.