The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that 16 submissions have been received thus far through the dedicated portal set up to collect information on the Binveriyaa and Gedhoveriyaa Scheme corruption scandal.
Earlier this month, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) came under heavy scrutiny after it emerged that land plots under the Binveriyaa Scheme had been issued to individuals who were not entitled to them. In responses to the allegations, HDC’s entire board, except for its Chairman was suspended along with the corporation’s then-Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed. Fazul has since resigned and been replaced, while the board were subsequently reinstated.
While several employees from HDC have been terminated, the passports of four former officials of the then-Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, including former State Minister Akram Kamaluddin, have been withheld as part of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)’s investigation into the case. ACC confirmed that the case has reached the duty prosecution stage.
On 21 December, MPS set up a designated portal to gather information on the cases, where information can be submitted anonymously. While 16 submissions have been received thus far, four submissions included supporting documents, according to MPS.
The opportunity to share information through the portal is still open, and individuals can be access the portal by visiting evidence.police.gov.mv, with the option to choose to submit information anonymously. A contact number may also be shared so that MPS can get in touch if more information is needed. Assuring that the information submitted through the portal will remain confidential, MPS urged anyone with relevant information which may be helpful to the investigation to share it with the authorities.