PG Shameem comments on deteriorating state of MMPRC investigations
Declared that he would only feel he had achieved something as PG if the case was resolved
PG Shameem made the remarks in an appearance on Raajje TV's "Fashaa Iru" programmme
Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has commented on the deteriorating state of investigations in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) grand corruption case, which took place under the Yameen administration, stating that it had gotten to the point where it was necessary to go and record statements for the investigation in PPE.
Former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom is currently serving a five-year prison sentence after having been found guilty of money laundering in relation to the MMPRC grand corruption case. A number of other top-level government officials and members of parliament under the Yameen administration face charges in this case, while allegations of involvement have also been raised against some key figures associated with the incumbent administration as well.
PG Shameem made the remarks in an appearance on Raajje TV's "Fashaa Iru" programme, remarking that there were huge obstacles in conducting investigations into the case. He noted that some suspects in this case were lying and using Covid-19 as an excuse to obstruct the investigation process. PG Shameem stated that it was now time to go and record statements in PPE for those non-cooperative towards investigation efforts.
Further highlighting the issue, PG Shameem noted that some had used the fevers experienced following Covid-19 vaccinations as an excuse to not support investigation efforts. However, the PGO had later learned that the party in question had received their vaccine 10 days prior, with PG Shameem stating that it was thus believable that those suspected in the MMPRC grand corruption case were using Covid-19 as an excuse to obstruct the investigation process and avoid charges.
Despite the difficulties, PG Shameem stated that the PGO was working closely with Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission on the investigation, and that it was their goal to resolve the case as soon as possible. PG Shameem declared that the MMPRC grand corruption investigation was his top priority, and that he would only feel he had achieved something as PG if those suspected in the case were prosecuted.
