It has been revealed that that Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) was used to build former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s head office in capital Malé City.

MITDC was established in 2016, during former President Abdulla Yameen’s tenure, “to support and to foster the development and growth of the mid-market segment of the Tourism Industry.”

On Wednesday, MITDC’s managing director Mohamed Raaidh- appointed in January 2019- stated that the company had spent around MVR two million to build an office for “a political party.”

While he did not reveal any details on the matter, RaajjeMV’s research shows that the only political party office to be opened at that time is that of the Progressive Party of Maldives.

The MD told RaajjeMV that he has conducted an internal audit since taking over in January, and emphasized that the office was built “using company funds.”

Further noting that two employees, including a board member, have been suspended over the matter, Raaidh said that the case has been forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

He also highlighted that “this was the company’s first task [since establishment].”

While the employee suspected of corruption was questioned during its audit, Raaidh stated that his statement to the company “differs” from the one to the Auditor General’s Office.

As such, the employee is to have claimed to not have the company’s asset registry during an audit conducted by the AG Office in 2016. However, in a 2017 audit he is to have testified that it was a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure, to develop the MITDC office in Velaanaage.

“Who will believe that MVR two million was spent to build a company office in Velaanaage, that is what he told us during the audit,” added Raaidh.

The PPM office built its new office in Hurafa building, in the Henveiru ward of the capital city, after the courts handed former president Yameen control of the party in October 2016. Yameen had gone to court, seeking the party’s control after a dispute with the party leader and his half-brother, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.