Prosecutor General Takes Up MVR 86M Tax Fraud Case Against Hope Travels

Mohamed Hilmy

18 August 2025, 00:00

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has initiated criminal proceedings against Hope Travels, a ferry service operator in Shaviyani and Noonu atolls, following a major tax evasion probe. The investigation alleges systematic falsification of tax records between July 2020 and May 2023.

Key findings reveal:

- MVR 54 million in unreported income
- MVR 3 million in evaded GST
- MVR 29 million omitted from 2020–2021 income tax returns
- 89% of company income excluded from GST filings

MIRA confirmed searches of Hope Travels' offices and witness interviews preceded criminal referrals against partners Shahud Ibrahim Manik and Mohammed Ali. The case, now with the Prosecutor General’s Office, invokes Article 64 of the Administrative Taxation Act, which carries up to three years’ imprisonment for intentional tax evasion.

This action underscores our zero-tolerance policy, stated MIRA, emphasizing tax integrity as critical to national revenue. Hope Holdings Partnership—the entity registered for GST—reportedly failed to declare its Hope Travels operations to authorities.

Prosecutor General Takes Up MVR 86M Tax Fraud Case Against Hope Travels

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