The Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that 161 cases involving the Fenaka Corporation were under investigation. The state utility was instructed to recover MVR 21.5 million (US$ 1.3 million). Sixteen cases are currently at the duty prosecution stage and nine have been forwarded for prosecution since 2022, the watchdog said. In a separate update, the ACC said it had completed 161 cases linked to the MMPRC corruption scandal, whilst 37 probes were ongoing and 15 cases were at the duty prosecution stage. The commission ordered the recovery of more than MVR 123.7 million stolen from the government's tourism promotion company.
The Prosecutor General’s Office asked the ACC to fast-track the Fenaka and MMPRC corruption probes and to submit updates by October 8. The ACC had previously been instructed to terminate settlement agreements with implicated parties, the PG office said. Dedicated prosecution teams will assist police and the ACC, it added. Both the anti-graft watchdog and police have also been directed to broaden inquiries to identify beneficiaries, it noted.
The Housing Development Corporation sought a full investigation into alleged corruption amounting to MVR 200 million under the previous administration. The cases from 2019 to 2023 involve theft, misuse of company assets, and the lease and sale of land, the HDC alleged.
The Maldivian Medical Association called for a total ban on hookah (sheesha) and the introduction of fully smoke-free dining venues. The group representing local doctors also proposed stronger measures to curb non-communicable diseases, including higher taxes on unhealthy food products and mandatory graphic health warnings on Areca nut packets.
Appearing on Raajje TV, former president Solih defended his record on corruption, declaring that he “did not touch a single coin” from state funds. Solih said he was ready to account for every decision made during his presidency. He also defended his administration’s handling of the MMPRC corruption probe. A joint investigation by the police, ACC and Asset Recovery Commission proceeded without interference and several cases reached the prosecution stage, he said.
As the MDP geared up for its protest on Friday night and supporters started arriving in Malé, Home Minister Ali Ihusan, Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon and senior officials of the police and military gathered for an emergency security meeting at the army headquarters, Adhadhu reported.
Ibrahim Naeem, the long-serving director general of the dissolved Environmental Protection Agency, departed after 14 years.
President Muizzu nominated former Supreme Court justice Mahaz Ali Zahir as his top pick for one of two vacancies on the Tax Appeal Tribunal.
An observer boat on the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying Maldivian activist Shaz Ahmed and others was diverted to Cyprus. President Muizzu condemned the interception of the unarmed civilian boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, describing it as a “grave affront to humanity and international law," as the Majlis debated a motion without notice urging the government to ensure the safety of Maldivians on the flotilla and to actively support the movement.
President Muizzu announced that the government and state-owned companies will clear all outstanding payments to private suppliers and contractors within five weeks, including “thousands” of unpaid bills inherited when he took office in November 2023.
From 13 incidents reported in September, total fines of MVR 136,500 were imposed on 24 individuals for offences related to banned vapes and e-cigarettes.
Employees of state-owned companies were forced to attend the ruling party’s rally on Wednesday night with political appointees tasked with noting attendance, Adhadhu reported citing sources from companies such as STO, STELCO, MPL and MACL.
The Adhaalath Party decided to join the MDP's protest on Friday night.
Malé Mayor Adam Azim said he has asked the council’s top civil servant to take action against Ali Naseer, the city council’s legal officer who signed a second agreement to lease the fish market at an inflated price.
