Ex-tourism boss in not guilty plea to 30 corruption charges
Abdulla Ziyath, who managed the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, is accused of misappropriating US$44 million (MVR721 million) by leasing islands and lagoons owned by the state.
15 Nov 2017, 9:00 AM
The former boss of the Maldives’ tourism promotion company has pleaded not guilty to 30 charges relating to the country’s largest ever corruption scandal, facing 90 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Abdulla Ziyath, who managed the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, is accused of misappropriating US$44 million (MVR721 million) by leasing islands and lagoons owned by the state.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges in hearings that started Saturday and ended Tuesday night.
His lawyer Ahmed Yameen told the court the ex-MMPRC boss had not broken any of the organization’s rules by handing over the cheques to then-tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb, as directed by the ministry.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
