ACC Submits 85 Cases to Prosecutor General’s Office for Consultation in 2024

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of the Maldives has referred 85 cases to the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office for consultation in 2024, highlighting the increasing workload of corruption cases in the country. The ACC has also finalized investigations and issued charge sheets in five cases so far this year.

The update follows a meeting between Prosecutor General Justice (retd) Abbas Shareef and ACC President Adam Shameel, held at the PG Office to discuss the progress and challenges of handling corruption cases. The Prosecutor General’s Office noted that the ACC is the second-largest source of complaints submitted for duty prosecution, underscoring the significant volume of corruption-related cases in the Maldives.

During the meeting, PG Abbas Shareef emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two institutions to expedite the investigative process and ensure that corruption cases are effectively prosecuted in court. He assured that the PG Office would continue to provide the necessary support to the ACC in fulfilling its mandate.

“This year, the ACC has filed 85 cases for consultation before a final decision on charges can be made, demonstrating the critical role of duty prosecution in our efforts to combat corruption,” said PG Abbas Shareef. Of the 85 cases submitted this year, 11 were filed in the month of September alone, highlighting the ongoing efforts to tackle corruption across various sectors.

ACC President Adam Shameel reiterated the commission’s commitment to addressing corruption, stressing the need for efficient coordination with the PG Office to ensure that cases are handled promptly. He expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between the ACC and the PG Office would enhance the effectiveness of the anti-corruption drive.

The ACC’s proactive approach this year comes amidst growing public demand for transparency and accountability in governance. Both institutions reaffirmed their dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals involved in corrupt practices are held accountable through the legal process.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to enhance inter-agency cooperation, aimed at bolstering the Maldives’ efforts to combat corruption and safeguard public trust in government institutions.