Police send former State Minister Zifleena’s flat case for ACC probe

Maldives Police Service has submitted a case of former State Minister of Gender Zifleena Hassan purchasing a luxury apartment to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for probing.

Zifleena came to media attention recently after it was reported she purchased an apartment for MVR 3.5 million in Hulhumale’. Many had questioned about the origin of Zifleena’s finances to make the purchase.

Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shifan spoke with ‘Sun’ confirming a case related to a former state minister has been reported to the authority.

Shifan added the case has been forwarded to ACC since the authority holds jurisdiction for investigating acts of corruption.

In a post on Facebook, Zifleena claimed she purchased the apartment prior to her appointment as the state minister, which she had clarified in her asset declaration form before she officially assumed government responsibilities.

She further added the property was registered to her name on July 8, after the building developer and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) wrapped the case after performing the required administrative formalities.

Zifleena claimed she has been living in the apartment in question for the past four years.

“It is disheartening that none of the local media approached me to clarify the truth, amid rumors that cast doubt on how I acquired the apartment after I was appointed to the State Minister position,” Zifleena said.

Besides filling the State Minister position during the previous government, Zifleena had filled crucial positions in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as well.