PG Office presses ACC for MMPRC scam investigation progress

The Prosecutor General’s Office has asked the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to submit an update on the progress of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption investigation by next Wednesday. The office has also instructed the ACC to involve the Maldives Police Service in further investigations.

In January, the Prosecutor General’s Office decided to cancel the concession agreements previously signed with former Vice President Ahmed Adheeb, former MMPRC Managing Director Abdulla Ziyath, and officials from SOF, the company accused of channeling the embezzled MMPRC funds.

Adheeb, who was convicted over the MMPRC corruption scandal during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, had received significant relief through plea agreements made during the presidency of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. At that time, the investigation was led by a presidential task force known as the Asset Recovery Commission.

In a statement issued today, the Prosecutor General’s Office said the ACC has been formally asked to submit the current progress of the investigation by next Wednesday. The statement also noted that the investigation into one of the MMPRC-related fraud cases has been completed, and prosecution is now underway.

According to the PG Office, special prosecution teams have been formed to provide 24-hour assistance to the ACC. The ACC has also been instructed to conduct a comprehensive investigation, with police involvement, to identify and take legal action against members of the public who unfairly benefited from the MMPRC deals.

The PG Office further stated that efforts are ongoing to identify properties and money acquired through criminal means and to facilitate their recovery. The office also reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting cases involving the embezzlement of public funds at a reasonable pace.

It was also revealed that the Prosecutor General’s Office had signed agreements with key individuals involved in the scam to facilitate investigations and help recover the stolen funds.

Most of the money owed to the MMPRC, particularly through the allocation of islands and lagoons for tourism development, was funneled through SOF. These funds were then distributed to other parties via SOF, yet no charges have been filed against anyone from the company to date.

Although the prosecution charged Adheeb and former MMPRC MD Abdulla Ziyath in connection with the scandal, plea deals extended substantial relief to Adheeb. His 20-year prison sentence was also commuted during the final days of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration.