ACC Investigates Irregularities in Allocation of Flats Through Gedhoruverin Portal

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in the allocation of flats through the “Gedhoruverin” portal, revealing that ineligible individuals may have acquired accommodations through manipulated marks on the portal.

ACC Vice-President Abdul Salaam addressed the Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament, disclosing that the portal indicated citizens who were deemed ineligible for flat allocation.

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The Commission took swift action to halt the allocation process near the end of the previous government’s tenure. Salaam informed the parliamentary committee that over 7,000 complaints were submitted to the Housing Ministry during the final list of flats, with more than 300 complaints forwarded to the ACC.

On November 5, the ACC initially requested the Housing Ministry to publicly disclose the details of the points awarded. Subsequently, on November 15, the ACC ordered a halt to the allocation process suspecting that essential issues in the initial proposal were not adequately addressed. Salaam emphasized the ACC’s authority to investigate corruption before, during, and after its occurrence.

ACC Vice President Abdul Salam stated that the ACC initially aimed to facilitate the ministry in rectifying issues without stopping the work. However, the ministry continued the process contrary to the reforms mandated by the ACC.

The investigation revealed that the portal was susceptible to manipulation, allowing individuals to generate or add marks easily. Abdul Salam noted that some forms, initially deemed ineligible by the portal’s auto-marking system, were later modified at the higher supervision stage. Marks were allegedly altered unfairly, including instances where individuals without children were credited with marks for having them. Salam also highlighted instances where marks were awarded based on false claims of residing in the Male’ city.

ACC President Adam Shamil, addressing the parliamentary committee, explained that the portal was designed to authenticate official documents submitted with the forms. It aimed to streamline access to information from various departments, including the Department of National Registration, Education, Pension Office, and Civil Service Commission.

The ACC has presented these findings to the Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament, seeking further investigation into the alleged irregularities in the allocation of flats through the portal.