5 laptops stolen from HDC amid land, flat probe

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on Monday reported the theft of five laptops from its project office in Farukolhufushi, an incident that comes amid an investigation into alleged land and flat fraud involving the organization.

Police confirmed the theft was reported earlier on Monday and said that a suspect is already in custody. The accused, who is reportedly under arrest on drug-related charges, is cooperating with authorities, according to police spokesman Ahmed Shifan.

"[The laptops] have not been found yet. The search is ongoing," Shifan said, adding that further investigations are underway.

The theft of the laptops has raised concerns as it coincides with a major fraud investigation implicating high-ranking officials and employees of the HDC. The case revolves around alleged fraudulent allocation of land and flats, which has led to a series of suspensions and resignations within the organization.

HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed resigned following the suspension of his brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, the Deputy Managing Director of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). Several individuals, including Fazul, employees of HDC, officials from the Housing Ministry, and senior figures from the Housing Ministry under the previous administration, have had their passports seized as part of the investigation.