ACC probes Yameen over funds deposited to account, by company involved in housing scam

The Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a probe into funds deposited into former President Abdulla Yameen’s account, from a company accused of scamming a number of people.

Sealife Global, tasked with developing 3,000 housing units, is accused of scamming a number of people, after taking the initial payment for the apartments allocated within the first phase. Cases against Sealife has been filed at the police and the Civil Court, and the presidential commission on corruption and asset recovery launched an investigation into the housing scam in March.

ACC has confirmed that it is investigating USD 15,000 deposited to the former president’s account through Sealife Global, in March 2014.

However, it did not disclose any further details in the matter.

While the anti-corruption watchdog probes Yameen over the money deposited through Sealife, a money-laundering trial against the former president is awaiting a verdict; to be issued next month.

He is accused of laundering USD one million through the state-owned Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), via a private company SoF, during his presidency. He is also accused of using the funds for financial gain, despite being ordered to transfer it to an escrow account under an agreement with the anti-corruption watchdog.

While Sealife Global is to have deposited to USD 15,000 to Yameen’s account in March 2014, the company was awarded the five-year project the same month.

It was tasked with developing 3,000 housing units and offices.

While reports indicate that around 300 individuals had booked to purchase properties from the apartments allocated within the first phase, with an initial payment of MVR 50,000, these individuals are seeking a refund. The payment was made under the condition that it ‘would be refundable at any time’.

191 individuals filed a ‘class action’ suit against Sealife Global at the Civil Court last November.

While the police’ economic crime department continues to investigate the case, an Interpol red notice has been issued for Sealife Global’s Managing Director Ahmed Moosa Mohamed; who is reportedly residing in Sri Lanka after fleeing from local authorities.