Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has said that the government raids on Villa Group's resorts are not being done under its authority.

In a press statement, the state revenue authority also said that it has taken action against Villa Shipping and Trading Company under its enforcement policy, for neglecting to pay millions of dollars in fines.

MIRA said it is not involved with giving import and distribution licenses, and so it is not part of the recent search and seizures at Villa resorts.

Police and Customs officials have searched five resorts owned by opposition Jumhoree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim, and confiscated a large number of liquor alleging that the resorts obtained them illegally.

The opposition has accused the government of abusing its power to damage Qasim Ibrahim’s businesses.