By The government, under the decisive leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has taken bold measures to address allegations of corruption within the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). In a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, all HDC board members, except the Chairman Ahmed Naseef, have been suspended pending an ongoing police investigation into the alleged fraudulent sale of land plots.
The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB), the regulatory body overseeing state-owned enterprises, announced the suspension in a press release issued earlier today. Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed has also been relieved of his duties until further notice.
The investigation follows reports of forged documents being used to falsely claim land allocations under a government scheme. Despite Managing Director Fazul Rasheed denying HDC’s involvement in the illegal sale, evidence that has surfaced in the public domain has implicated high-level officials, including Fazul’s brother, MWSC Deputy Managing Director Mohammed Fazeel Rasheed, who reportedly owns land acquired through dubious means.
Police and ACC Investigation Underway
The Maldives Police Service, alongside the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has taken swift action to investigate the case. Police officers entered the HDC offices yesterday evening to collect evidence as part of the investigation into the alleged use of forged documents to acquire land. The ACC has also launched a parallel probe, further strengthening the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
The suspended HDC board members include:
- Ahmed Naseef – Chairman (Retained)
- Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed – Managing Director (Suspended)
- Azhar Abdullah Saeed – Board Director
- Ibrahim Yusuf Phu – Board Director
- Mohamed Wisham – Board Director
- Ula Mohamed Rasheed – Board Director
- Arif Abdul Samad – Board Director
- Mohamed Najil – Board Director
- Mohamed Vahid – Board Director
- Fathima Mizna Ali – Board Director
- Yoosuf Waheed – Board Director
President Muizzu’s Commitment to Justice
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has consistently emphasized its dedication to good governance and the eradication of corruption. This decisive action reflects the President’s unwavering resolve to ensure accountability across all state institutions and restore public trust in government entities.
The suspension of key officials sends a clear message: under President Muizzu’s leadership, no one is above the law, and swift action will be taken to uphold justice and protect the interests of the Maldivian people.
Restoring Public Trust
The public has welcomed the government’s proactive approach in handling this case, as it marks a significant step toward curbing corruption in the country. President Muizzu’s leadership has once again been pivotal in fostering a culture of accountability, ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity and transparency.
The ongoing investigation is expected to bring those responsible to justice, and the government has assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Stronger Future
The government remains committed to strengthening oversight mechanisms and implementing reforms to prevent corruption in state-owned enterprises. As the investigation unfolds, the administration continues to demonstrate its dedication to justice and good governance, reinforcing the Maldives’ path toward a stronger and more transparent future under President Muizzu’s leadership.