Former Maldive Gas MD, Abdulla Maumoon (Maan) has been found guilty of bribery and sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison.

Maan was charged with seven counts of bribery in relation to transactions linked to the awarding of a contract for the supply of liquid petroleum to Maldive Gas. Each charge carries a basic sentence of three years, two months and 12 days.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, between 2016 and 2017 several payments amounting to USD 298,403.50 were made to bank accounts belonging to Maan, his companies, or family members. These included deposits to accounts at the Bank of Maldives, Maldives Islamic Bank, and Bank of Ceylon.

The court heard that companies connected to Maan, such as Monarc Private Limited and another company, were also used to receive funds. One payment was deposited to the account of his brother, Ahmed Hameed.

The Civil Court today sentenced Maan on two of the charges, finding him guilty and handing down a prison term of 12 years, nine months and 18 days. Sentencing for the remaining five charges will take place on a later date.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has requested police to remand Maan in custody and has also imposed a travel ban.

Maan was previously convicted of bribery in July 2018 and sentenced to 12 years in prison, in addition to being ordered to pay MVR 1.1 million to Maldives Islamic Bank.