Qasim: No money came from MMPRC

MP for the Maamigili constituency, Qasim Ibrahim has denied any money from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) being deposited to his company Villa through SOF Pvt. Ltd.

SOF Pvt. Ltd. has said that the money they received went to the ruling party PPM and Qasim Ibrahim along with some others.

Speaking on VTV today regarding the matter, Qasim said that no such money has been received by Jumhooree Party (JP), Villa Company or by himself.

“To us, never have we received any money, as a cheque or cash, from anybody ever. Even if we received or got it, it won’t be used for sure.” Qasim said.

Qasim said that it is difficult to believe that that money was issued to President Abdulla Yameen, the First Lady and other businessmen.

He said that he would request an investigation into by the relevant authorities of the state sometime today or tonight.

The Audit Report of the MMPRC notes that USD 70.17 million (MVR 1 billion) was deposited to an account of SOF Pvt. Ltd. by the MMPRC. The report says that it was money for the state from leasing islands and lagoons.