President questioned over MMPRC embezzlement scandal

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has taken the statement of Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom over Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) embezzlement scandal.

Vice President of ACC, Muawwiz Rasheed spoke to “Sun” on Tuesday and said that President Abdulla Yameen was questioned in the matter about a month back.

He said that ACC would not hesitate to question anyone they needed to, in relation to the case.

“We have so far questioned some parliamentarians, cabinet ministers and civilians over the issue,” said Muawwiz.

MMPRC audit report marks the value of embezzlement at MVR 1.22 billion.

Muawwiz said that the commission could not yet say when their investigation would be complete, but said that they were carrying out the investigation at full speed.

President of ACC, Hassan Luthufy spoke to “Sun” earlier and said that the commission had finished investigating corruption involved in leasing islands and lagoons for development as tourist resorts, and were now investigating where the embezzled money went.

He said that the case would not be sent for prosecution until the entire investigation was complete.

Former Vice President and Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, former Managing Director of MMPRC Abdulla Ziyath and Hamid Ismail (M. Shuramanzil) have been implicated in the scandal.