Those who used MVR 14 million in MMPRC fraud found: Nazim

The individuals who were involved in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) fraud and had used MVR 14 million has been identified, along with evidence of their involvement, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim said.

A report released by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration in regards to the MMPRC fraud showed that the state had seen MVR 1.4 billion in losses due to islands and lagoons being leased for tourism purposes at low prices.

Nazim had stated, while debating the report released by the Public Accounts Committee after their study of the incident concerning the misappropriation of MVR 28.3 million worth of diesel that was sold to Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) by Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM), that the individuals involved in the MMPRC MVR 14.6 million fraud and had made use of the money has been found.

"We have found, beyond reasonable doubt, proof and evidence, the individuals who were involved in the MMPRC fraud who used MVR 14.6 million of the funds involved," stated Nazim.

However Nazim, who is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee, has not provided any details.

Nazim stated that this administration is one that will take steps against corruption, and that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has taken said steps as well.

Of the MMPRC corruption cases brought to trial, the only one to reach a verdict in the lower courts was against former President Yameen, a conviction later overturned by the Supreme Court. Two additional cases remain pending in the Criminal Court.

Former vice-president Ahmed Adeeb was also convicted in connection with several MMPRC corruption cases, but his sentence was later reduced and he was released under the previous administration.

A Presidential Commission was formed during that time to investigate the fraud, with no results produced.

Charges were also filed against Parliament then-Majority Leader Ahmed Nihan, former ACC investigator Abdulla Azim and former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof, with those cases not being proven either.