ACC probes into Presidential residence cutlery donation

The country’s corruption watchdog has launched a probe into how a civilian had come to possess cutlery from the President’s official residence, Mulee’aage.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reportedly had donated a fork, a knife, and a spoon to an individual in during an iftar held last month. The cutlery had the logo of Mulee’aage on it and is classified as an asset of the residence.

The case was submitted to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by another private individual. TMJ had obtained the letter sent to the Commission.

The letter said that donation of an asset of the state to any party is classified as a crime under clause 14 (a) of the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act. The clause noted that it is “an offence for anyone to use any government property in contravention of government regulations to get an income or for personal gain”.

“While cutlery is not of a high value, they are assets attached with the President’s official residence and bears the residence’s emblem. As such, the sentimental value, in the future, is quite high,” the letter said.

The letter went on to add that as the items bore the logo, it would not be the personal property of the occupant of the residence at any given time. Therefore, there was no way the President can donate the cutlery to any party.

The letter had asked the Commission to investigate, recover the items, and, if need be, raise criminal charges.

President’s Office Spokesperson had not issued a comment on the matter, even after TMJ had contacted the office.

There is noted precedent in the country in similar cases. An employee of the Civil Service Commission had taken cleaning items and coffee for personal use at their residence. The staff was found guilty of graft charges and was banished for a six-month period.