MIRA referred two companies that dominated PCR testing during the Covid-19 pandemic to the Prosecutor General's Office on allegations of tax fraud. Pioneer Maldives and Island Health Solutions – which also operates Pearl Medical Centre – significantly underreported taxable income in their income tax filings for 2020 to 2022, failing to report MVR 102.7 million (US$ 6.6 million) and MVR 31.9 million respectively, despite being among the leading providers of PCR testing when demand was at its peak. The tax authority also found that Pioneer Maldives had inflated "cost of sales" and administrative expenses in 2021 to reduce its tax liability. MIRA sought charges against both companies, their directors Dr Ikleel Shareef and Dr Ali Abdulla Latheef, and accountant Ali Fayaz, who allegedly prepared the falsified financial statements and tax returns. Dr Latheef – who was a member of advisory committees that oversaw PCR testing – was previously investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission over Covid-era purchases at IGMH, where he chaired the procurement committee.
The High Court concluded hearings in an appeal by Bank of Maldives over former President Yameen's lawsuit to recover US$ 1 million held in escrow since 2018. The money was placed in a joint escrow account with the Anti-Corruption Commission during the MMPRC corruption investigation. When Yameen sued to recover the funds after the escrow agreement expired, BML argued it was not a party to the agreement between Yameen and the ACC and therefore could not be sued. The Civil Court rejected that argument, prompting BML's appeal. The case, which has been pending since February 2024, will now proceed to judgment under a reconstituted bench led by Judge Abdullah Jameel.
The finance ministry sought a liquidator to dissolve the Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation, a state-owned company tasked with developing and promoting mid-market tourism. A special audit released in December found that MITDC had wasted MVR 52.3 million on three stalled tourism projects: the Baresdhoo integrated resort, Kaashidhoo tourist village, and a lagoon reclamation scheme in Kaafu atoll.
The High Court ruled that a Criminal Court judge acted improperly in releasing a drug trafficking suspect without conditions, overturning the release order. Ali Anwar Mohamed, 41, from Addu City Hithadhoo, had been arrested on October 11 on suspicion of possessing and trafficking drugs. Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad granted him five days' detention but released him unconditionally at his remand review hearing, citing procedural issues with the arrest. Anwar flew overseas on the same day but was arrested upon his return after Sri Lankan authorities refused him entry. He was previously charged over the attempted smuggling of 70kg of narcotics aboard an Iranian vessel in October 2019. Judge Faiz was impeached by parliament and removed from the bench in December.
The sports ministry contracted the Maldives Airports Company Ltd to build sports complexes in Hulhumalé and Villimalé.
The OPEC Fund for International Development signed a new Country Partnership Framework with the Maldives to support climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and fiscal stability. Finance Minister Moosa Zameer signed the agreement during an official visit to the fund's Vienna headquarters.
After objecting to e-voting, Ikram Abdul Sattar withdrew his candidacy for Adhaalath Party president, accusing the party of seeking to conduct a "rigged" election that lacks transparency, fairness and violates democratic principles.
Police arrested two Sri Lankan men involved in a physical altercation at the airport taxi queue in the early hours of January 9. The men had previously been advised and released from custody immediately after the incident. Video footage shows one man kicking another while airport security personnel were present at the scene. Tilak Somachandra Madethalawe Kankanamalage, 43, and Priyantha Silva Dewanithige, 46, were arrested with court warrants on Sunday, police said.
Sheikh Imthithaau Abbas was appointed as the new director general of the Maldives Zakat House.
