Passports of Fazul, Fazeel, 18 others seized in forged land inquiry
Following these allegations, all HDC board members, except Chairman Ahmed Nasif, have been suspended.
Passports of 20 individuals, including Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed and his brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), have been seized, police confirmed on Friday.
The issue emerged when an account operated by Hassan Kurusee on X published documents on Wednesday, raising questions about the allocation of land to Fazul's brother, Fazeel. Both officials are currently suspended from their positions.
Authorities have not disclosed who ordered the passport seizures, and the police stated that no further details could be provided at this stage.
Leaked documents shared on social media suggest that two individuals were allocated the same plot of land in the second phase of Hulhumale. A letter from HDC Deputy Director Ahmed Aiman to the Housing Ministry, dated July, sought clarification on the ownership of the land.
The documents indicate:
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Two individuals claiming rights to the same lot number in Hulhumale applied for permission to build a fence.
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HDC was directed to confirm the rightful owner of the land.
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The lot number was reportedly linked to Fazul's brother, Mohamed Fazeel.
In a response letter dated August 15, State Minister for Housing Ibrahim Nizam stated that the Housing Ministry’s database showed neither individual was listed as a beneficiary under the Binveriya scheme. Additional documents leaked on social media allege that Fazeel received land through the scheme using a forged agreement.
Social media users have accused Fazul of involvement in corruption. Following these allegations, all HDC board members, except Chairman Ahmed Nasif, have been suspended. Further suspensions have been applied to other senior HDC officials.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with law enforcement and relevant authorities yet to announce any findings.
