MMPRC corruption: search operations underway in four locations
A joint operation is being carried out, together with ACC and the presidential inquiry commission
(File photo) police officers active during a search operation
Search and seizure operations are being conducted in four locations in the capital, in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption investigation.
Police announced this on Wednesday, adding that the joint operation is being carried out together with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Presidential Commission on Corruption and Asset Recovery.
While it has been revealed that four locations are being searched in relation to the MMPRC graft, police said that these locations are in capital Malé and its suburban district Hulhumalé.
Further, Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) is also involved in the operation.
Last week, five police officers were suspended from duty over suspected involvement in the corruption scandal.
While a 700-page report publicized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) identified 155 individuals who received the funds, the agency in October listed 267 people as beneficiaries in the embezzlement.
They include 44 lawmakers from the 18th parliament, 16 lawmakers from the current parliament, five former members of independent commissions, 30 senior officials from the previous government, seven senior officials of the incumbent government, five judges (sitting and former), seven officers from the security services (including a former police commissioner and deputy commissioner).
Authorities are yet to publicize a list of those involved in the scandal.
The MMPRC corruption scandal is the largest corruption case recorded in Maldivian history. According to the incumbent administration, over MVR 3.3 billion acquired via the leasing of islands and lagoons for tourism purposes was embezzled through MMPRC, during the previous government.
