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Ex-Defense Minister Moosa Jaleel face money laundering charges in MMPRC scandal

Lamya Abdulla
17 March 2023, MVT 13:08
(FILE) Defence Minister of former Chief of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Moosa Ali Jaleel -- Photo: Mihaaru
Lamya Abdulla
17 March 2023, MVT 13:08

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has requested the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) charge former Defense Minister and the former Chief of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), Moosa Ali Jaleel, with money laundering in relation to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption.

According to the ACC, its investigations revealed that the money Jaleel acquired from former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb via the MMPRC by leasing Maldives islands for tourism purposes was obtained illegally.

The commission said the funds were deposited in Jaleel's personal account and used for personal benefit.

Therefore, ACC has informed MMPRC to recover USD 1 million from Jaleel, which is owed to the state.

ACC requested that charges be brought under the Terrorism Financing Act and the Money Laundering Act.

A large number of public officials were involved in the MMPRC corruption scandal, including former President Abdulla Yameen, who was found guilty of money laundering and bribery in December 2022 and sentenced to 11 years in prison along with a fine of USD 5 million. Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb and former Managing Director of MMPRC Abdulla Ziyath were also found guilty. However, because they had pleaded guilty and cooperated with the state, they were given lenient sentences, which they serve in their homes.

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