Shujau case under investigation for some time: ACC

Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed it has been investigating issues raised in a report by the Maldives Monetary Authority’s (MMA) Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which details financial transactions involving companies linked to Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau.

The confirmation comes two days after the FIU report was leaked on social media. In response, Shujau said he had not received any official communication about the document and could not verify its authenticity.

“I have not received any information from any official agency,” Shujau said at the time.

However, a senior ACC official told Mihaaru News that the commission had received the FIU report and had been investigating its contents for some time.

“We always take the initiative to look into reports sent by the police and FIU. We have been reviewing the contents of this report for a while now it’s part of our normal procedures,” the official said.

The ACC declined to provide further details on the case. Police also confirmed they were investigating the FIU report, but did not disclose specifics.

According to the leaked FIU document, Shujau’s company, Official Events, conducted financial transactions with four other firms: Swan Family, Store Pros Trading, Quick Sure, and DQ Holdings. The report also names Mohamed Nafiz and Ahmed Adham, both family members of Shujau as having ties to the companies.

Nafiz currently serves as a deputy minister at the Ministry of Fisheries, while Adham is a shareholder in Official Events and sits on the board of Public Service Media (PSM).

Between 1 November 2023 and January 2024, the report claims MVR 42.5 million was transferred to companies owned by Shujau and his relatives in connection with various events.

One of the largest transactions occurred on 13 November 2023, when the Ministry of Finance paid MVR 23 million to the army-run company CIVEC. Of this amount, MVR 13 million was reportedly transferred to Official Events. The funds were allegedly part of the budget for the presidential inauguration ceremony.

The report also alleges that MVR 8 million from the funds paid to Official Events was used as a "commitment fee" towards the purchase of two apartments for company shareholders, each reportedly valued at MVR 20 million.

In response to the report, Shujau issued a public statement denying any misconduct. He said Official Events operates in full compliance with Maldivian laws and regulations.

“Various projects have been successfully implemented under the regulations of Presidents Yameen, Solih, and Dr Mohamed Muizzu. It is a fact that our company has won bids due to our experience and quality of work,” he said.

Shujau added that he aims to grow his business further, exercising the right of every Maldivian to engage in free enterprise.

“No case has ever been investigated regarding me or any company in which I hold shares. God willing, there will be no such case. If any arises, the relevant authorities will handle it,” he said.

Amid the controversy, Parliament has removed Shujau from its influential Public Accounts Committee.

Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that Guraidhoo MP Hannaan Mohamed Rasheed will replace him as the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) representative on the committee. Shujau has been appointed to the National Development and Heritage Committee.