Hope Travels denies MIRA’s tax fraud allegations

Hope Travels has denied allegations of tax fraud filed by Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) with the Prosecutor General’s Office, calling the case “baseless and false.”

In a statement, the company which operates speedboat ferry services to Shaviyani and Noonu atolls said the case stems from “false allegations” dating back five years and accused MIRA of conducting the investigation in violation of procedure.

“Management views the allegations of tax fraud against the company’s CEO and GM as baseless. We view these allegations as a devastating blow to our group of over 300 employees and their families,” the statement said.

Hope Travels also said that it pays taxes regularly and cooperates with MIRA during audits. The company claimed its transport arm is the smallest sector of the group in terms of investment and work.

The company further raised concerns over the investigation, alleging that MIRA:

- Raided its office without basis in August 2023, citing a “threat level”

- Relied on “messages or conversations overheard at a coffee table”

- Targeted medium-sized businesses without political influence

- Rushed a probe into 2020 data before forwarding the case to prosecutors

- Pressured the company to sign statements on the last day to file a lawsuit

- Issued informal meeting invitations through intermediaries

- Leaked details during the probe, damaging its reputation

Hope Travels said it remains committed to transparency and cooperation, but maintained the case was unjustly pursued.