The Presidential Commission on Corruption and Asset Recovery has revealed the funds embezzled from the state in the corruption scandal of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) amounts to over USD 210 million.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, President of the commission Ahmed As'ad revealed 37 islands and 12 lagoons had been fraudulently leased through MMPRC for resort development. As'ad said the total price of the islands alone amount to USD 210 million, despite the initial report by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) suggesting the state had lost USD 77 million. He noted there is no regulation or policy in setting a price for the lagoons, adding the total amount embezzled would rise to at least USD 260 million when the lagoons are priced.
The president of the commission further revealed over 300 people have been identified as beneficiaries of the corruption scandal, despite the initial report by ACC implicating 267 people. As'ad noted the most challenging part of the investigation was to identify those involved in the corrupt transactions. However, he affirmed the investigation was carried out professionally, noting the commission did not stop pursuing evidence for the transactions even when there seemed to be a dead-end. As such, he noted any individual who received cash which originated from MMPRC was thoroughly investigated, with information sought on their family members, close acquaintances and businesses.
Speaking further, As'ad stated the scandal was a well-planned crime committed by a group of people who used their past experience in the lease of islands and lagoons. He said charges will be pressed on those involved in the scandal, as much as the commission is able to gather evidence against them. He added the charges will be pressed in groups, with priority given to individuals who collected larger amounts of the embezzled funds.