Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has stated a decision will be made next week on pressing charges in the case involving the failed procurement of ventilators and the corruption case involving Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof.
Speaking to the press, PG Shameem said the charges forwarded by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in relation to the two cases are currently under review, adding a decision will be made on pressing the charges in court next week. The PG also highlighted the importance of conducting discussions between the PGO and ACC when investigating such cases to maximise the efficiency of pressing charges. He said he will request ACC to coordinate with the PGO when investigating cases and preparing the charge sheet.
On November 1, ACC resubmitted the corruption charges against 11 officials of the Ministry of Health who were involved in the failed procurement of ventilators to the Maldives through a Dubai-based company. ACC had earlier submitted the charges in the ventilator case in October 14, 2020, but the PGO had declined to press charges, citing an inadequate investigation. ACC stated it included additional evidence acquired through further investigation, when the charges were resubmitted earlier this month.
Meanwhile, ACC charged Minister Mahloof under Article 2(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act, on the counts of bribery and embezzlement in relation to the corruption scandal of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). ACC has also charged Mahloof under Article 521 of the Penal Code of the Maldives for providing false information to an investigative authority. The charges are under review by the PGO.