Fayyaz Ismail Denies Corruption Allegations, Calls ACC Probe Baseless

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has denied corruption allegations against him, describing the investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as baseless.

Fayyaz, who served as Minister of Economic Development in the previous administration, was summoned today for questioning in connection with an ongoing ACC investigation.

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Speaking to the media after the session, Fayyaz said there was “no basis” for the case and claimed the commission lacked key documents related to the matter. He alleged that the probe was initiated under political influence.

He assured MDP members and the public that he had done nothing wrong and urged citizens to join the party’s rally scheduled to take place in Malé on 17 November.

According to the ACC, Fayyaz is under investigation over a 2019 decision made while he served on the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee. The case concerns compensation granted to Swift Engineering Private Limited, which the ACC alleges exceeded the amount the company was entitled to receive.

The commission said the decision may have caused financial losses to the state and that the investigation aims to determine whether Fayyaz owes any money to the government.

However, the Managing Director of Swift Engineering, Saudulla Hilmy, who is also the current MP for North Thinadhoo and a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), stated that the compensation agreement was made in accordance with regulations. He added that the arrangement benefited the state, while the company incurred losses.