Parliament asks criminal probe into ex-President Solih, Fayyaz, Shiyam over compensation
The resolution was adopted without amendments to the Finance Committee’s report.
Parliament on Thursday passed a resolution directing the Prosecutor General to initiate a criminal investigation into former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, and former Minister of the President’s Office Ali Shyam.
The motion was brought by PNC MP Mohamed Mamdooh, focusing on compensation paid by the state to various parties during the previous administration. The resolution was adopted without amendments to the Finance Committee’s report.
The Finance Committee’s report recommended a criminal investigation into the three individuals for allegedly misusing state funds and properties and acting against the state’s interests while holding senior public office. The allegations include improper financial settlements and agreements made during their tenure.
The report specifies:
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Solih and Shyam, as co-chairs of the Economic Council, were involved in reaching questionable agreements.
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Fayyaz is accused of playing a role in the execution of these agreements.
The parliament vote resulted in 55 members in favour and 11 members, all from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), opposing the motion.
The Finance Committee also found that settlements signed between 2019 and 2023 were invalid and directed the Attorney General and relevant authorities to:
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Reclaim any canceled or compensated items associated with these settlements.
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Investigate whether any compensation was paid outside the Finance Act and its rules and recover such funds for the state.
Between 2018 and 2023, it is alleged that 36 islands, six lagoons, and over MVR 2 billion were allocated to various parties under questionable circumstances. Additionally, MVR 61.2 million was processed in the Finance Ministry’s system for payments to Le Triveni JV and Deebaja Investment. The release of these funds was suspended on February 7 this year following a directive from the Attorney General’s office.
