Fayyaz Summoned for Questioning in Corruption Probe

Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has been summoned by police for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the Road Development Corporation (RDC).

Police Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan confirmed that Fayyaz, who also holds the position of Chairman of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has been called to appear at Police Headquarters at 15:00 hrs today.

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Details surrounding the summons were not disclosed, however, it is part of the collaborative effort between the Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to probe suspected corruption within the RDC during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

In a press conference held on March 3rd, the Police’s Economic Crime Department revealed that technical investigations were initiated following initial reports in September 2022. While suspicions arose regarding the involvement of numerous government officials in corrupt activities, the investigation has so far confirmed the involvement of three individuals.

These individuals are alleged to have transferred a total of MVR 14 million from the company’s funds into their personal bank accounts. One individual reportedly received MVR 11 million, while the remaining two received MVR 1 million each.

Superintendent Ahmed Nafiz, Head of the Crime Investigations Command, disclosed that further inquiries are being made into the subsequent movement of these funds. Notably, MVR 392,000 was reportedly deposited into another company associated with the RDC, with MVR 162,000 of this sum traced to an individual linked to the company.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities striving to unravel the full extent of the alleged corruption within the RDC and any potential links to senior officials from the previous government.