Transparency Maldives has expressed concern over the government's decision to not prosecute SOF Private Limited for its involvement in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC) corruption scandal.
Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) confirmed the government's decision not to prosecute SOF during former President Abdulla Yameen's Supreme Court appeal hearing on September 27. However, PGO later stated the decision not to seek prosecution for senior SOF officials was made during former Prosecutor General (PG) Aishath Bisham's tenure and that the current government has not made such a decision.
In a press release, Transparency Maldives expressed concern over the government's willingness to reach agreements with individuals accused of being involved in money laundering. Transparency Maldives stated it creates questions over the level of negligence the government is guilty of in regards to the MMPRC case.
Furthermore, Transparency Maldives also condemned PGO's decisions that obstruct actions that need to be taken against those involved in the MMPRC case.
Transparency Maldives called on the government to publicly disclose information regarding the MMPRC corruption case to avoid and address misconceptions around the issue.