Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Sinan paid off his debts in cash after a petition was filed in the Supreme Court to disqualify him, Adhadhu has learnt.
Adhadhu understands that a total of MVR 1.3 million outstanding to the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) was paid on February 13 on behalf of the ruling party MP.
Former Criminal Justice Advisor to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Muhuthaz Muhusin took MVR 1.3 million in cash to the MIB headquarters on Medhuziyaaraiy Road in Male'.
Multiple sources confirmed this to Adhadhu.
When contacted for comment, Muhuthaz said Sinan was his client. He declined to provide details about Sinan's loan and the case.
"If you are sure that this is accurate information, I have no objection to reporting it that way. I have no further comment on that," the former Judge said.
Sinan did not respond to questions about the source of the MVR 1.3 million cash paid to MIB. He did not answer phone calls when contacted by Adhadhu.
The bank has now requested Sinan's company to provide details of the source of the funds.
Banks generally want to clarify the source of funds and reason for transactions when large amounts of money are involved. Such transactions are also monitored by the central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit.
The petition filed by Ghalib Saleem last week noted that the Constitution stipulates MPs would lose their seat if they fail to repay a proven debt.
The case involves a joint loan of MVR 3.8 million from the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB). According to the petition, MIB filed a lawsuit on July 21, 2024, for breach of loan repayment agreement.
Hithadhoo Magistrate Court issued a ruling on October 14, 2024, ordering to pay the unpaid MVR 2.5 million in six months. However, Sinaan and his co-borrowers did not pay the money within six months.
If convicted, Sinan will become the first disqualified MP from the 20th People's Majlis.
