Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath is once again defending himself from corruption allegations.
This time, he is denying allegations made by former deputy general and MP-elect for Villiamalé constituency, Ahmed Usham.
While it was reported, on Tuesday, that India’s GMR Group has failed to pay USD 23 million in taxes, Usham claims that the attorney general had worked to reach a deal so that the company would not have to pay the taxes.
MIRA had, last year, ordered GMR Group to pay the amount in taxes and penalties to the Maldivian government.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s government had signed an agreement with GMR in 2011, to develop the country’s main airport, with his successor abruptly terminating the deal. The Singaporean Arbitration tribunal had in October 2016 ordered the Maldivian government to pay USD 271 million to the company, in damages; the government paid the amount in November that year.
In a tweet posted on Tuesday, MP-elect Usham accused Riffath of working in favour of the company, since his appointment as attorney general.
“I believe that the attorney general must clarify whether he had advised against GMR paying taxes to MIRA [Maldives Inland Revenue Authority]. The current AG had worked for GMR Group, during the arbitration,” reads the tweet.
Responding to this, AG Riffath denied making any decisions regarding the GMR case since being appointed to the post.
"As AG, I have not made any decisions in regard to GMR Group. I prioritize the interest of the nation. Have not given room for any conflict of interest. I work to defend rights. We vowed to ensure transparency and justice,” said the attorney general via twitter.
Earlier this month, Riffath faced allegations of corruption in the Dheebaajaa Investments case, as well as some other cases which were concluded since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assumed presidency. He is also accused of offering compensation for those mistreated by the former government.
