Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has stated documents for the recently surfaced illegitimate fuel trade were prepared using forged signatures.
Speaking at the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee of the Parliament, Managing Director of MPL Shahid Ali said the transactions of the illegitimate fuel trade had surfaced following a COVID-19 expenditure audit. Shahid revealed bills had been prepared for fuel that was not received by the company. He said the theft was committed by a group of employees from MPL and Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) after forging the necessary signatures.
Speaking further, Shahid said the case has been lodged at Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Auditor General’s Office. Noting MPS has commenced investigation into the case, Shahid said the staff members involved in the transactions have been suspended until the end of the investigation. He said the company will not take corruption and theft lightly, adding serious action will be taken against staff involved in the theft.