PG Requests ACC to Investigate Millions in Settlement Agreements Approved by Defunct Committee

Prosecutor General (PG) Abbas Shareef has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to launch a criminal investigation into millions of dollars in settlements approved by the now-dissolved settlement committee during the previous administration. The request was made on 17 December, following allegations of embezzlement and constitutional violations by high-level officials.

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee’s report concluded that settlement agreements signed between 2019 and 2023 were void ab initio and recommended legal action to invalidate the agreements. The report also accused senior officials of misappropriating state funds and assets, prompting the PG to deem a criminal probe necessary.

The settlement committee, prior to its dissolution, authorized compensations totaling USD 14.6 million before November 17, 2023, and approved additional compensations worth USD 64.8 million in assets and funds. However, on Friday, the Attorney General invalidated nine agreements signed by the committee, halting all related disbursements immediately.

On 12 December, Parliament approved a motion advising the PGO to pursue charges against former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, and former Minister at the President’s Office Ali Shiyam, should the ACC’s investigation implicate them. The PG has also asked the ACC to expedite the investigation, provide regular updates, and consult with the PGO throughout the process.

This marks a significant step in addressing allegations of corruption and mismanagement tied to the settlement committee's decisions during the previous administration.