Attorney General (AG) Uz Ahmed Usham has revealed that more than MVR 800 million was paid as compensation to individuals and entities during the previous MDP administration.

Responding to questions from parliamentarians, the AG said the settlement committee established by the President’s Office under the former government had disbursed substantial sums, including compensation for islands and lagoons. He noted that additional payments were made outside the committee’s purview, even before its formal establishment.

AG Usham said the total amount is likely to exceed MVR 800 million once all settlements are accounted for. He also confirmed that lagoons and islands leased through these agreements have since been reclaimed by the state.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the settlement committee, which was operational from 28 November 2022, functioned without a legal framework or authority. AG Usham stressed that his office had no involvement in granting compensation and described the actions as unconstitutional.

Following his advisement, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu dissolved the settlement committee on 21 November 2023.