ACP Dawood Rejects Allegations of Undeclared Wealth Amid Parliamentary Scrutiny

Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Dawood has rejected allegations of possessing undeclared assets, following claims made by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim at a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee.

Nazim told the committee that authorities are probing suspicions that Dawood accumulated substantial wealth without any declared business activity. He said the investigation stemmed from complaints lodged by a whistleblower and revealed that Dawood’s name had previously surfaced during the MMPRC corruption inquiry. According to Nazim, findings at the time were shared with senior police officials but the matter was closed swiftly.

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In a statement issued by Lawcraft Law Firm LLP, Dawood’s lawyers said no unfamiliar or illicit funds were deposited into his bank accounts and denied any involvement in illegal transactions. They also noted that comments made by former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb indicated that Dawood had not received any money linked to the MMPRC scandal.

The lawyers further stated that decisions made by the Police Board during administrative investigations showed Dawood’s integrity to be intact. They cautioned against spreading unverified claims about law enforcement officials, warning that it undermines public confidence in police institutions.

“It is irresponsible to make claims in a parliamentary committee without allowing the officer an opportunity to respond,” the statement read. The lawyers also urged parliamentarians to speak responsibly and avoid infringing on individuals’ legal rights.

Nazim said that investigators had gathered extensive material concerning Dawood, including evidence of large deposits made into his accounts between 2023 and 2024. The total value of the assets under question is estimated to be around MVR 14 million.

The committee also identified rent payments deposited into the accounts of Dawood and his wife since September 2016 for a property called Ma. Thalhumudhige, which is reportedly not owned by either of them. Nazim said further clarification was needed, unless Dawood had financed the construction of the property.

He further alleged that Dawood purchased apartments from FW Residences, reportedly paying MVR 4.1 million in cash across 10 instalments. The property was initially registered in the name of a relative before being transferred to Dawood’s son.

In addition, Nazim claimed that Dawood had acquired goods valued at MVR 14.6 million and suggested the funds could be linked to money diverted from the MMPRC scandal. He said Dawood had no declared business interests or other known sources of income. The findings were based on a confidential Anti-Corruption Commission report. 

Dawood has given interviews to media outlets in which he denied the allegations, insisting he had never accepted money in connection with state-related activities. He said funds he received were only from his parents and family members and that he earned his living lawfully. He also claimed there had been a concerted effort to frame him, though he did not elaborate.

Dawood has called on the Professional Standards Command of the Maldives Police Service to investigate the claims.

He was among seven police officers dismissed following a Police Board investigation under the Police Service Act, but later won reinstatement through the courts. At the time of his dismissal, he was a Superintendent. Despite the allegations raised, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police in September 2024 — the highest rank within the Maldives Police Service.

The sub-committee decided yesterday to forward its report to the main Public Accounts Committee for further deliberation.