Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), where the company paid MVR 2.9 million to Guraidhoo MP, Ibrahim Riza’s law firm.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, an official from the Commission confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the matter.

According to payment documents, the law firm was paid MVR 2.9 million on May 11, 2016.

The amount was paid to the law firm to represent MPL at the Civil Court during the legal battle with Center Enterprises, who filed the case at court, seeking payment for tug-boat it had built for MPL.

MPL had halted the work after 60 percent of the tug-boat had been completed, claiming that the ACC had ordered it to do so.

Speaking on the matter, MPL’s Chief Executive Office, Mohamed Junaid had said that they were ready to “spend as much as necessary to save the company from having to pay MVR 160 million to Center Enterprises," adding that they intended to appeal the lower court’s ruling at the High Court, “and if necessary at the Supreme Court.”

Junaid further noted that the decision to pay MVR 2.9 million to the law firm “was made by MPL’s Executive Board.”

The company was ordered to pay a fine of MVR 160 million to Center Enterprises on December 27, over two separate cases.

MPL maintains that the amount was paid to the law firm, in accordance to its regulations, adding that it had obtained the necessary requirements as well.

RaajjeMV did not succeed in getting a comment from MP Riza on the matter.