Passports of 20 people including Fazul, Fazeel withheld

The passports of 20 people have been withheld including Housing Development Corporation (HDC)’s Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed and his brother, Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC)’s Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed in connection to allegations that land plots were given under the ‘Binveriya’ housing scheme to people who were not on the list of recipients.

Documents leaked on social media appear to show that multiple people were given land from Hulhumale’ under the ‘Binveriya’ scheme despite not being on the list of recipients publicized during the former administration.

This includes HDC MD’s Fazul’s brother, Fazeel.

The final list of recipients of the ‘Binveriya’ scheme publicized in August 2023 lists Fazeel as an applicant, but also shows he was deemed ineligible as he had already been awarded housing under a different social housing scheme.

Maldives Police Service said they have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that HDC issued land plots under ‘Binveriya’ housing scheme to people who were not on the list of recipients.

Both Fazul and Fazeel as well as the entire board of HDC, except for chairman Ahmed Nasif, have been placed under indefinite suspension in connection to the case to the case yesterday.

Sun has learned that the passports of 20 individuals, including Fazul and Fazeel, have been withheld amid the probe. The identity of the 18 other individuals has yet to be disclosed.

Their passports were withheld indefinitely.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday night, Police said their investigation into allegations that lant plots were issued under ‘Binveriya’ housing scheme to people who were not on the list of recipients has uncovered that individuals applied for ‘Gedhoruveriya’ scheme were also issued confirmation of receipt of land.

The Police further said no accusations and targeted towards Fazul in connection to the case as of present. 

Notably, South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, on Thursday, lodged a request to summon Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar to the Parliament to be questioned over the case.

In the wake of the allegations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sent a warning message to a Whatsapp group comprising of the heads of state-owned companies in which he threatened to take immediate action against individuals implicated in corruption allegations while holding a senior government post.