Sentencing in MMPRC embezzlement case closed for “national security reasons”

Criminal Court has announced that the sentencing in Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) embezzlement case – scheduled for Thursday night – will be closed to media and public for “national security reasons”.

Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, former Managing Director of MMPRC Abdulla Ziyath, and businessman Hamid Ismail (M. Shuramanzil, Male’) will be sentenced during the hearing scheduled for 10 pm, Thursday night.

They are charged with embezzling USD 5 million in acquisition fee by Kuredhoo Holdings for Lh. Maabinhuraa.

The last hearing in the case about three weeks ago was also held behind closed doors for “national security reasons”.

Hamid’s fellow shareholder at Millennium Capital Management Private Limited, Amjad Ismail testified in court that Adeeb called him after transferring USD 5 million to the company’s bank account.

Amjad testified that he had handed over a USD 4 million cheque to a shareholder of Montalion International upon Adeeb’s instructions.