The Anti-Corruption Commission has asked the Prosecutor General's Office to file money laundering charges against Popular Maldives Private Limited in connection with the MMPRC scandal.

The ACC said the case was submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office today following an investigation into financial transactions linked to tourism island leases.

According to the ACC, SOF Private Limited transferred funds received from leasing islands and lagoons for tourism development into the bank account of Popular Maldives Private Limited.

Investigators found that USD 150,000 was deposited into the company’s account through a cheque from SOF on July 13, 2015.

The ACC said the company allegedly tried to present the money as income from dollar exchange transactions in an attempt to conceal the source of the funds.

The investigation also found that money used as acquisition costs for T. Olhugiri was obtained through criminal means. Under the lease agreement, a resort was required to be developed within 36 months, with the Tourism Ministry authorized to terminate the agreement and collect damages if the conditions were not met.

The ACC said the agreement requirements were not fulfilled and has referred the matter back to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

The charges were requested under Article 53(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act. The ACC has also asked authorities to recover the USD 150,000 from Popular Maldives Private Limited.

The commission added that discussions are ongoing with the Prosecutor General’s Office regarding further charges linked to the MMPRC scandal.