2 Maldivian businesses file case against Thailand company

Two Maldivian companies have filed fraud cases against a Thailand forwarding agency.

Former Auditor General Niyaz Ibrahim has announced on his social media that two cases related to Maldives Cargo Thailand have been filed with Thailand police.

Speaking on behalf of Prime Fertilisers Maldives, Niyaz told the media on Thursday that the company has been doing business with Maldives Cargo for about five years.

Giving further details of the case, he said:

This is the second time that the company has faced problems with delays in depositing the money to the suppliers, he said.

"There was a similar problem earlier this year. They told me the delay of the payment is due to his hospitalisation for cancer treatment and the cost. The company was given a second chance to resolve the issue, based on assurances that payments would be made promptly," he said.

Niyaz said he tried to meet the Thailand suppliers to find out why the money was being delayed.

"They don't even answer the phone. When they call the suppliers, they deceive the story and the identity," he said.

He said the problem occurred again in July this year. 

The suppliers were sent $56,000 (MVR 863,520) to Maldives Cargo, of which $10,000 (MVR 154,200) remains unpaid.

While preparing to report the case to the Thailand police, he met another Maldivian businessman who had been sending money to Maldives Cargo and not paying suppliers. The businessman had $11,000 (MVR 169,620) unpaid by Maldives Cargo, he said.

Two separate cases have now been filed with Thailand police. However, he said he did not know when the cases would be heard.

"So we lodged the case with the Thailand police through a lawyer. Then, as it is in that country, it takes about 30 days to investigate the case. After that, we will know what happens next," he said.