Nine anonymous witnesses testified against former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, former MMPRC Managing Director Abdullah Ziyath and Hamid Ismail, all charged with embezzling USD 5 million in acquisition cost paid by Kure’dhoo Holdings to lease Lh. Maabinhuraa. Additionally, bank statements were also submitted as evidence.
In today’s hearing, the fourth involving the case, the three had been given the opportunity to respond to the case. Adeeb’s lawyer, Moosa Siraj said that it was difficult to respond to the charges. He said apart from the bank statements, cheque deposit slips and agreements no additional documents were filed.
Hamid’s lawyer, Husnu Suood said that Hamid had been under arrest since 28th October 2015. The said transaction occurred post arrest and therefore he was unaware of the transaction. He said Hamid became aware of the transaction only after Police informed him during investigations. He also said witness statements of Millennium Capital shareholders and managers had been taken to be submitted to the trial, adding that it was concerning and will prove that Hamid was innocent.
Husnu Suood also said that it was difficult to respond to the charges as full documentation had not been made available.
The Judge had decreed that the lawyers had adequately responded to the summary charges and had allowed state prosecutors to present their case. The state had presented nine anonymous witnesses, bank statements and cheque slips. Ziyath had been charged with accepting and embezzling the finances, while Adeeb and Hamid had been accused of embezzling the money as well.
The three had been charged with this, after the money laundering charges filed against Hamid were revoked. PG Office had submitted the case to the Court on 24th January.
Adeeb and Ziyath had been charged with embezzling MVR 1 million received as payment for the sale of a lagoon in Male’ atoll.
Nine witnesses submitted against Adeeb, Ziyath
