ACC seeks charges against ex-deputy housing minister over land sale
Naif Shaukath, the former Deputy Minister of Housing, and another official for alleged misconduct in connection with the sale of land in Male'.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has officially requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to initiate legal proceedings against Naif Shaukath, the former Deputy Minister of Housing, and another official for alleged misconduct in connection with the sale of land in Male'.
According to a statement from the ACC, the request for prosecution was submitted on September 30.
The two individuals identified for charges are:
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1-
Naif Shaukath – Former Deputy Minister of Housing
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2-
Hassan Waheed – Former Housing Coordinator
The ACC has accused both officials of abusing their official positions to obtain an unfair advantage during a controversial land sale carried out by the Ministry of Housing in 2018.
The commission’s investigation found that the ministry violated established protocols by favoring a particular buyer, bypassing rules under Veshifahi Programme for State Land Sales.
The findings revealed that:
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The ministry first approached a neighboring landowner, offering them the option to purchase a plot acquired by the government.
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Despite this offer, the ministry postponed the sale process and ultimately sold the land to a more distant land owner.
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The investigation highlighted that the living conditions of the applicants, an important factor mandated by the rules, were not properly evaluated before the sale, signaling a breach of procedure.
Naif Shaukath is a well-known political figure associated with the PNF, the political party led by former President Abdulla Yameen. Naif Shaukath’s political prominence grew under Yameen’s administration, where he held the post of Deputy Housing Minister. He also ran in the most recent parliamentary elections with Yameen’s endorsement, cementing his influence within the party.
