Former Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Abdulla Ziyath stated in Criminal Court on Thursday that the revenue generated by the corporation was illegally transferred to other accounts under orders from former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Speaking as a witness of the state in the trial against Yameen over money laundering charges, Ziyath stated that Yameen gave instructions on how to handle the funds generated by MMPRC via phone.
Noting that Yameen told him to follow Adeeb's instructions as well, Ziyath declared that he notified either Yameen or Adeeb about every transaction carried out regarding the MVR 1.4 billion embezzled in state funds.
Answering Yameen's questions in court, Ziyath stated that the ex-President was aware of the details of all the islands and lagoons leased by MMPRC during that period, adding that Yameen had the final say in all the agreements. Additionally, Ziyath revealed that in some cases he was made aware through Adeeb.
The state is pressing charges against Yameen over transferring MVR 1 million eared as the Acquisition Cost of leasing Vodamulla, Gaafu Alif Atoll, to an SOF account and then transferring it to his personal account.
During Thursday's hearing, Yameen tried to prove that SOF accounts could have received MMPRC funds legally.
However, Ziyath said that "no revenue generated by MMPRC by selling off islands entered SOF accounts legally".
Ziyath reiterated various time that the revenue earned from leasing Vodamulla was not transferred to SOF through a legal agreement.
During the hearing, Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb and President of Anti Corruption Comission (ACC) President Muaviz Rasheed testified against Yameen as well.
Cheif Judge Ahmed Hailam concluded Thursday's court session announcing that the next hearing is scheduled for September 3.
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