Ziyath confesses to taking USD I mn cheque by leasing lagoon

Former Managing Director of Abdulla Ziyath has confessed to taking a USD 1 million cheque by leasing a lagoon to Ebony Private Limited for 50 years, but denied that he pocketed it.

Ziyath has been charged with graft based on Article 215 (a) and Article 210 (b) (i) of Penal Code.

Speaking during the hearing held at Criminal Court on Sunday, Ziyath’s defense attorney said that according to Article 48 (b) of Finance Act, the order to investigate such cases must come from Attorney General. But that the regulation had been violated.

State prosecutor said that investigation into the case had been carried out in accordance with Police Act, and that the regulation that the defense attorney mentioned was no longer practiced.

Defense attorney said that Ziyath was having trouble with his hearing and that his younger wife was pregnant with his child, and asked that he therefore be transferred to house arrest.

The judge made no comment on the request.

The next hearing on the case will be held on February 15.