Police probe alleged Fazul-linked forgery of land ownership docs
The matter came to public attention through a social media account that shared documents alleging misconduct in the land allocation process.
Police on Wednesday launched an investigation into claims of forged documents related to land ownership in Hulhumale under the previous government’s Binveriya scheme where Mohamed Fazul Rasheed, brother of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul, was allocated a plot of land despite not being listed as a beneficiary under the scheme.
Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan confirmed the investigation, stating that the case involves suspected document forgery within HDC. Ihsan did not name any individuals directly, including Fazul.
The matter came to public attention through a social media account that shared documents alleging misconduct in the land allocation process. The leaked documents suggest that Mohamed Fazul Rasheed, currently Deputy Managing Director of Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), received land in Hulhumale through falsified records.
According to the leaked documents:
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Two individuals claiming ownership of the same plot in Hulhumale's second phase applied to HDC for permission to construct a wall.
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HDC Deputy Director Ahmed Aiman sent a letter in July to the housing ministry requesting verification of the rightful owner of the land.
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A response from the housing ministry, dated August 15, indicated that neither individual was listed as a landowner under the Binveriya scheme.
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One of the applicants, identified as Mohamed Fazul, allegedly submitted forged agreements to claim the land.
Ihsan stated that if the investigation uncovers evidence of corruption, it would involve collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He also noted that the scope of the inquiry extends beyond the two leaked documents shared online.
Calls for transparency and accountability have arisen following the revelations. Ahmed Azan, a Member of Parliament from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) representing the Hithadhoo Central constituency, has publicly demanded an investigation into the allegations.
Social media discussions have further accused Ibrahim Fazul and Mohamed Fazul of misconduct, with allegations of corruption linked to the land allocation process.
Neither Fazul nor HDC has issued a statement on the matter as of now.
