Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has been accused of using his presidential authority to direct the massive MMPRC corruption scandal, with prosecutors alleging that the R. Fuggiri island lease was deliberately arranged to generate USD 1 million in bribes for him.
During closing arguments at the Criminal Court, State Prosecutor Ahmed Shafeeu alleged that the corruption carried out through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) operated under Yameen’s direct instructions.
The prosecution accused Yameen of abusing the highest office in the country to facilitate financial dealings that allegedly benefited him personally.
According to Shafeeu, Yameen appointed Ahmed Adeeb as Tourism Minister and subsequently promoted him to Vice President despite receiving reports of Adeeb’s involvement in corruption.
Prosecutors also highlighted how responsibility for leasing tourism islands was transferred to MMPRC, an agency originally established to promote the Maldives as a tourist destination.
The State alleged that the Fuggiri lease was specifically structured to channel money to Yameen and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
The island was leased to Dubai-based Classic City Island Holdings for USD 1.5 million, although prosecutors claimed its actual value was USD 5 million.
Shafeeu alleged that the original arrangement involved depositing just USD 400,000 into government accounts while diverting the remaining funds. However, the Dubai company reportedly rejected the proposed official price over concerns about future legal consequences.
According to the prosecution, the company ultimately spent USD 2.6 million, including USD 1 million allegedly received by Yameen.
“The Fuggiri corruption was an operation carried out to secure bribe money for Yameen,” the prosecutor told the court.
Yameen’s defence questioned why he remains under prosecution when charges against alleged intermediary Ahmed Krik Riza were withdrawn and two companies linked to Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam were acquitted.
Shafeeu rejected the comparison, arguing that Yameen’s position was fundamentally different because he allegedly exploited presidential powers for personal financial gain.
Yameen denies wrongdoing and maintains that the disputed money originated from a legitimate currency exchange transaction.
The Fuggiri trial is approaching its conclusion, with a verdict expected following the completion of closing statements.
Meanwhile, Yameen also faces a retrial over the V. Aarah corruption case after the High Court overturned his previous conviction.
