Police reinvestigate misuse of IGMH reagents graft

Police have reopened an investigation into the alleged supply of reagents used in the IGMH laboratory to a company owned by Dr Ali Abdulla Latheef.

On 20 August 2024, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced that its investigation had found that RMLS Lab Services, the company responsible for procuring reagents for COVID-19 tests, was linked to Ali Latheef.

Latheef held multiple positions, including Chairman of the Procurement Committee, Medical Executive Committee, and Technical Advisory Committee. The ACC has recommended charges against three individuals, including Latheef. The others are:

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has referred the case back to the ACC, and the investigation is now proceeding under the PGO’s directives. An ACC spokesperson confirmed that the probe is being conducted jointly with police involvement.

"A joint investigation is underway with the guidance of the prosecutor. Police are also involved," the media official said.

The ACC previously stated that Ali Latheef’s connection to RMLS Lab Services is also under scrutiny for alleged money laundering. The commission has requested police to conduct a separate investigation into the matter.

The ACC's findings indicate that the contract for supplying laboratory chemicals was awarded to an individual who misused his position for personal gain.

In a separate case, the ACC investigated former Health Minister Abdulla Ameen and other officials over a payment of MVR 30 million to Dubai-based Executors for ventilators. The PGO decided not to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence.

The government later filed a case with the Arbitration Centre of Maldives, resulting in an order for the company to repay over $2.2 million (MVR 34.6 million). The amount has yet to be recovered.