Sunday
8th Sep 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: TMJ
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced that it will seek information on the assets of individuals accused of illicit gains from Fenaka Corporation projects.
In response to a question from the Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament, ACC President Adam Shamil revealed that the case was submitted to the ACC anonymously. The government is investigating the potential acquisition of illicit wealth in 60 Fenaka projects.
Shamil explained that the ACC will conduct a net worth analysis of the accused to determine if they have acquired illicit wealth and whether they used certain companies to do so. He noted that many jobs and employee hires may have been influenced for the benefit of certain individuals.
The Fenaka investigation focuses on five offenses:
1. Fraud
2. Use of position to gain unfair advantage
3. Abuse of power
4. Receipt of bribes
5. Illicit enrichment
Special attention is being given to illicit enrichment, although Shamil mentioned that there are legal challenges in obtaining information from banks.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim asked if the ACC had advised any agency to remove Fenaka Corporation officials due to allegations of massive corruption. Shamil responded that issues raised about Fenaka had been brought to the attention of the President’s Office and other state agencies, but he did not specify if any agency had been asked to dismiss Ahmed Saeed.
The ACC has launched an investigation into allegations that former Fenaka Managing Director Ahmed Saeed engaged in serious corruption during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This investigation is part of a broader effort to address corruption and ensure accountability within government-owned corporations.
The ACC President emphasized the importance of cooperation from employees in corruption investigations. He stated that employees often refuse to provide statements while current management is in power, but are more willing to cooperate once management changes. This has been a significant hurdle in investigating companies like Fenaka.
The ACC is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the operations of state-owned enterprises, and the investigation into Fenaka Corporation is a critical part of this mandate.