Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives (ACC) has commenced the investigation of 8 cases related to the COVID-19 compliance audit conducted on the Ministry of Tourism.
ACC stated in addition to the 8 cases highlighted in the report publicised by the Auditor General’s Office, the commission is also probing into other complaints submitted by the public against the tourism ministry.
As per the audit report, over USD 1.7 million spent by the tourism ministry amid the COVID-19 pandemic was outside its mandate. Moreover, the report revealed that although any spending from the ministry's trust fund must be pre-approved by the executive committee of the trust fund, none of the expenses were authorised. Additionally, the report revealed the amounts recorded on public accounting systems of the Ministry of Finance and the tourism ministry do not tally.
Furthermore, the audit report revealed the funds used to install thermal imaging cameras in all international airports and the expenditure was not approved by the committee. The report also revealed the ministry did not consult with other relevant state institutions before undertaking the expenses. The report also revealed the tourism ministry had tried to conceal the details of the expenses undertaken by the ministry.
The Auditor General’s Office also added the documents contained several discrepancies regarding the matters as it involved deceit in preparing statement and documents. The report stated all highlighted misappropriation of state funds must be investigated further.