New Bill Proposes Up to 15-Year Jail Term for Officials Acquiring Disproportionate Assets

The Maldivian government has proposed an amendment to the Penal Code, introducing more strict penalties for presidents, ministers, lawmakers, and judges found guilty of acquiring disproportionate assets. The bill, spearheaded by Maafushi MP Hussain Riza Adam, was introduced on behalf of the government to amend Section 515 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, aiming to make it a second- and third-class criminal offence for public officials found guilty of amassing assets beyond their lawful income.

According to the proposed legislation, if a president, minister, member of parliament, or judge is found guilty of accumulating wealth that cannot be accounted for, the crime will be classified as a second-class criminal offence. Convictions under this classification may lead to up to 15 years in prison and fines amounting to twice the profit gained or MVR1 million, whichever is higher. For officials found guilty under a third-class offence, punishable by up to eight years imprisonment, the fines would double the profits gained or RF 400,000.

The bill outlines that a high standard of living that does not correspond to the income of a public servant, or assets acquired through family or business connections without transparent earnings, would be deemed illicit under the proposed rules. It allows courts to consider assets owned by individuals with family or business ties to the accused as part of their wealth if intended for their benefit.

The bill is part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to streamline and strengthen measures to counter corruption and investigate disproportionate assets among public servants. According to government sources, the proposed amendments aim to remove legal obstacles in prosecuting corruption and safeguard public trust within state institutions.