The Prosecutor General’s (PG)Office is seeking a review of the High Court’s recent dismissal of its appeal over a corruption case against former Maldivian Vice President and Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad.

Jihad, currently chair of the Maldives International Financial Services Authority (MIFSA), was charged in 2021 with abuse of power related to a 2013 tourism project in Fushidhiggarufalhu. The Criminal Court dismissed the case on July 25 due to insufficient grounds. The PG Office appealed, but the High Court initially rejected the case on September 19 as Jihad could not be served while overseas. After resubmitting on October 15, the High Court again dismissed it, stating the 15-day appeal period had expired on October 13.

The charges stemmed from Jihad approving a reduced government share in the project, potentially costing the state over USD 600 million in lost revenue over 50 years. If convicted, Jihad faced up to five years in prison, banishment, or house arrest.

Jihad, who distanced himself from politics after 2018, rejoined the PPM-PNC on September 23, 2023.