ACC faces "legal" challenges in completing MMPRC graft report; forwards it to police

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has forwarded its investigative report to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption case, to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The Commission’s vice president, Muavviz Rasheed told RaajjeMV that the report was forwarded to the police, for further investigation.

Noting that some of those implicated in the case are residing abroad, he highlighted that the Commission is facing “legal challenges” in completing the investigation.

Further noting that the ACC does not have the jurisdiction to conduct a joint operation, Rasheed said that it will provide assistance to the police “if required.”

Following a request by the police, Interpol had in November 2015 issued red notices for the suspects living abroad. However, their names were removed in April, with the police saying that the state had made the decision to do so as they “are now cooperating with the authorities in the investigation."

While the report has been forwarded for further investigation, some of those implicated have been charged and/or convicted.

As such, former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has been convicted over the embezzlement, as well as MMPRC’s then managing director Abdulla Ziyath.

Furthermore, former President Abdulla Yameen- also implicated in the report- was charged with money laundering in February, and his trial commenced in April.

Former legal affairs director at the president’s office, Azima Shakoor has also been charged with aiding in money laundering. However, authorities failed to serve her a notice as she is out of the country.

ACC’s report into embezzlement of over a billion dollars from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation reveals details of the company’s then management falsifying reports and funneling money through local banks.