Former Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Abdulla Ziyath has revealed former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom instructed him to handover funds received from leasing islands and lagoons to then Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor, who later filled the position of vice president.
When summoned to Criminal Court as a witness of state over money laundering charges raised against former President Yameen, former Managing Director of MMPRC Ziyath said Yameen directly gave instructions via phone calls and texts, on what needs to be done with the funds received from leasing islands and lagoons. Ziyath said he abided by the instructions, despite being aware the instructions were illegal. Ziyath noted he was urged to follow the instructions when he sought counsel from Attorney General Mohamed Anil.
While the charges note the USD 1 million deposited to an account bearing Yameen's name was the acquisition cost received from leasing Vodumulaa in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Ziyath revealed as instructed one payment was handed over to a senior member of SOF Private Limited. When asked to name the person who Ziyath handed over the payment to, he said a USD 1 million cheque was handed over to Ishfaah, since Adeeb was not in the country. He added he was not aware of what happened to the cheque later, until news outlets reported the case.
Moreover, Ziyath stated he met Yameen at President's Office with Adeeb and sometimes by himself. However, Yameen denied the meetings and maintained Ziyath met him once, adding no instructions were given via phone or in other method.
Meanwhile, Ziyath repeatedly mentioned the instructions were given directly by the former president asking him to follow orders given by Adeeb. Ziyath said the prices of lease of islands were decided by Adeeb, with the counsel of Yameen.
Furthermore, when the former president asked whether Ziyath is agreeing that he undertook illegal activities, Ziyath remarked he is serving a jail sentence for that reason. Answering the former president, Ziyath also accepted he must be responsible over the failure to deposit the acquisition cost of Vodumulaa to the account of MMPRC.