Finance Committee proposes special ACC unit to investigate high-profile corruption cases

The Parliament’s Finance Committee has recommended that the Ministry of Finance establish a dedicated section within the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate major and complex financial corruption cases.

The proposal came during a subcommittee meeting held today, which focused on the corruption case involving the police welfare company, Polco. The committee has completed its findings on the case.

Subcommittee Chair and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ahmed Nazim, said it would be a conflict of interest for the Maldives Police Service to investigate the matter, as some individuals implicated in the case still hold senior positions within the police force. He stated that there is sufficient evidence to initiate a criminal investigation against some of those involved.

“Due to the sensitive nature of these allegations, we are requesting the ACC to establish a Serious and Complex Financial Investigation Section to handle such high-profile cases, as requested in their letter dated July 8. This includes arrangements for adequate staffing, infrastructure, and office space,” Nazim said.

He further recommended that the Ministry of Finance be tasked with providing the necessary financial resources for setting up and maintaining this unit.

Nazim also emphasized the importance of empowering the ACC rather than relying solely on presidential commissions, stating that strengthening the commission’s capacity is a priority.

As part of the Polco investigation, Nazim said efforts are also underway to recover state assets linked to the case. The subcommittee decided to issue special notices to Polco, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Maldives Customs Service.

Customs will be instructed to report on a list of imported vessels—including dredgers, tugs, and excavators—being used for other projects without paying duties. The committee asked whether these items were duty-exempt or re-exported and requested a report within 30 days.

Notices will also be sent to the Attorney General’s Office, with 15 separate inquiries issued.

An audit report from the Auditor General’s Office revealed that MVR 1.06 billion has been spent on the police housing project in Hulhumalé Phase 1, with a financial loss of MVR 355 million. The report highlights that construction costs reached MVR 1,851 per square foot—twice the estimated cost—raising further concerns over financial mismanagement.