The state has paid about USD 8.4 million as compensation to World Link Travel Private Limited, a consortium of Villa Group owned Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of Jumhooree Party and a coalition partner of the government.
In March 2019, the Supreme Court of Maldives ordered the state to pay USD 15 million for violating an agreement with World Link Travel and failing to lease 3 islands for resort development.
Speaking to PSM News, Communications Director at the Attorney General’s Office Hussain Hassan said the payment has now been made to World Link Travel after omitting the amount subject to tax payments to the state.
In 2007, Airport Investment Maldives (AIMS), a joint venture established by several state-owned companies agreed to lease 3 islands for resort development. However, AIMS failed to lease the islands to World Link Travel.
At court, World Link Travel asked for USD 112 million for compensation for the losses and USD 16.9 million which was paid in advance.