ACC, Police Launch Criminal Investigation into Binveriyaa, Gedhoruveriyaa Scheme on PG Instruction

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a criminal investigation into the Binveriyaa and Gedhoruveriyaa Scheme in collaboration with Maldives Police Service (MPS).

ACC’s announcement follows instructions from the Prosecutor General (PG) Abbas Shareef to look into allocations under both schemes and determine if any plots or flats were issued in violation of designated policies, and pursue legal action where necessary.

A statement issued by ACC confirmed that the commission was acting on the PG’s directive and working closely with MPS to expedite the investigation.

In a statement, the Prosecutor General’s Office highlighted concerns received that the government had potentially violated rules and regulations during the application process, determination of recipients, and issuing the allocation of land and flats under both schemes. The office emphasised that a thorough criminal investigation was necessary due to the high level of public interest in the matter.

On Wednesday, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) came under heavy scrutiny after it emerged that land plots had been issued to non-recipients under the Binveriyaa Scheme. In response, the entire HDC board, with the exception of its Chairperson, has been suspended, along with the corporation’s Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed.

The allegations around Fazul are particularly controversial as his brother, Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC)’s Deputy Managing Director Fazeel Ibrahim is directly implicated in the controversy. Fazeel has likewise been suspended from his position pending the outcome of the investigation.