Villa Air Chairman and Mamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim has denied former President Abdulla Yameen’s claim that the government waived $33 million in taxes owed by Villa Group in the takeover of Kaadehdhoo Airport.
Gasim, in a message on social media, said the lease agreement for the airport has been canceled and the state is reclaiming it, but no taxes have been written off. He accused Yameen of misrepresenting facts and adding false details about the deal.
Gasim also shared a letter exchanged between Villa Air and the President’s Office. The letter stated Villa Air offered to hand over the airport for $21 million, while the government valued the airport at $18.5 million and two lagoons at $15 million, bringing the total to $33.5 million.
The government proposed two options: to compensate Villa Air with $18 million within 18 months or to adjust the amount against Villa Group’s tax payments over the same period. The letter clarified that no tax exemptions were granted.
According to the President’s Office, the Economic Council has decided to cancel the lease and proceed with compensation to bring the airport back under state control.
Gasim, in a message on social media, said the lease agreement for the airport has been canceled and the state is reclaiming it, but no taxes have been written off. He accused Yameen of misrepresenting facts and adding false details about the deal.
Gasim also shared a letter exchanged between Villa Air and the President’s Office. The letter stated Villa Air offered to hand over the airport for $21 million, while the government valued the airport at $18.5 million and two lagoons at $15 million, bringing the total to $33.5 million.
The government proposed two options: to compensate Villa Air with $18 million within 18 months or to adjust the amount against Villa Group’s tax payments over the same period. The letter clarified that no tax exemptions were granted.
According to the President’s Office, the Economic Council has decided to cancel the lease and proceed with compensation to bring the airport back under state control.
