# Grand Corruption and the SDGs: Selling the Country’s Future - the Island Sales Scheme in the Maldives URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/grand-corruption-the-sdgs-selling-the-countrys-future-the-island-sales-sche Type: Publication or report Published: 2019-12-13 Updated: 2020-08-24 --- 13 December 2019 Protecting the natural beauty and environment of the Maldives is central to the implementation of its sustainable development agenda. As the bedrock of the tourism industry, the country’s ecosystem is both a source of economic prosperity and an invaluable resource that must be protected in its own right. Grand corruption in the Maldives has directly put this resource at risk. The island sales scheme, instigated by high-level officials including a former president, led to 50 islands and submerged coral lagoons being leased out for largely unsustainable private developments in 2014 and 2015. The US$ 80 million lost to corruption in this scandal represents a large proportion of what needs to be spent on environmental protection in the Maldives. The rapid pace of tourist development, exacerbated by corrupt practices, has also rapidly exceeded what is sustainable for the natural environment, threatening biodiversity under water and on land. ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Breaking the Silos: A Practical Guide to Fighting Corruption with a Human Rights-Based Approach](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/breaking-the-silos-a-practical-guide-to-fighting-corruption-with-a-human-rights-based-approach) Publication • 25 June 2026 This guide seeks to equip human rights defenders and anti-corruption advocates with practical tools to promote accountability for corrupt acts. ## [Connecting the Dots: How financial intelligence units expose corrupt money flows and how they could do more](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots) Publication • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can play a key role in uncovering corruption, but only if they have the powers, resources and access to information they need. ## [Global Corruption Barometer 2003](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/gcb-2003) Publication • 03 July 2003 ## Priorities - [Grand corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/grand-corruption) - [Sustainable Development Goals](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/sustainable-development-goals) ## Countries - [Maldives](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/maldives) ## Projects - [Anti-Corruption Agency Strengthening Initiative](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/anti-corruption-agency-strengthening-initiative) - [Accountability in Asia Pacific](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/accountability-in-asia-pacific) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Screen-Shot-2020-03-30-at-21.55.30.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Grand-Corruption-and-the-SDGs_Maldives_FINAL.pdf)