Aeroflot Suspension, Ponzi Scheme, Colombo Flights

Thursday, March 10

A community eco-park funded by the Bank of Maldives opened on the island of Molhadhoo in Haa Alif Atoll. Part of the bank’s Community Fund initiatives, the park was “designed with a viewing platform and is equipped solar lighting, benches and seating area with waste bins to create an area which is relaxing and environmentally sustainable.”

BML also donated MVR100,000 (US$6,485) to the pro bono Family Legal Clinic to provide free legal assistance to over 100 individuals.

Thursday, March 10

The tax authority collected MVR1.4 billion in February, up 40 percent from the same period last year and 17 percent higher than forecast.

The bank accounts of former lawmaker Alhan Fahmy’s Kings Forex Trading were frozen over alleged fraud. The move came after the central bank and the Capital Market Authority cautioned against investing in fraudulent forex trading schemes. Kings Forex condemned the statements – which did not name the company – as attempts to “destroy goodwill” and trust and bring it into disrepute.

The central bank warned of a Ponzi scheme where earlier investors are paid with funds collected from new investors. According to media reports, the company has collected between MVR30 to MVR50 million (US$3.2 million) through social media.

The national carrier Maldivian airlines announced scheduled flights from Malé to the Colombo International Airport commencing on 27 March.

Tuesday, March 8

The Maldives Ports Limited introduced a seven-day trauma leave. Employees will be eligible for paid leave after miscarriages, death of loved ones and natural disasters.

Tuesday, March 8

Monday, March 7

The newly-formed Maldives Aviation Academy’s first aircraft arrived in the country. It will be assembled and prepared for flights over the next weeks, according to the flying school, which is based at the Gan airport in Addu.

Monday, March 7

Russian flag carrier Aeroflot organised extra flights from Malé to Moscow “for evacuation of tourists to Russia before suspension of international air traffic” on the following day. The tourism industry braced for the loss of tourists from the top source market in 2022.

Saturday, March 5

Ooredoo offered a payment option for its prepaid customers through Facebook.

Saturday, March 5