5 face charges over MVR 39m MTCC flats project loss
The project, which involved the construction of two 15-storey towers in Hulhumalé Phase II, was contracted to Singapore-based RI Engineering.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has requested the prosecution of five individuals, including former Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Hassan Shah, in connection with the alleged misuse of authority and financial misconduct leading to a loss of MVR 39.2 million.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the ACC confirmed that the case was submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) for legal action over irregularities linked to the awarding of a major housing project under the President Abdulla Yameen government’s ‘Hiya’ housing scheme.
The project, which involved the construction of two 15-storey towers in Hulhumalé Phase II, was contracted to Singapore-based RI Engineering. The contract was part of a broader initiative during former President Yameen’s administration, aimed at expanding affordable housing through government companies.
The five individuals recommended for prosecution are:
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1-
Hassan Shah, former Managing Director and CEO of MTCC, from Bageechage, Addu City, Maradhoofeydhoo.
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2-
Shifau Ali, General Manager at MTCC and a member of the tender evaluation committee, from H. Fairy Palace, Malé.
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3-
Hussain Zuhree, tender evaluation committee member, from Parkeeza, Sh. Komandoo.
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4-
Mohamed Nazim, tender evaluation committee member, from M. Pompiya, Malé.
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5-
Ismail Adhuham, tender evaluation committee member, from G. Nila, Malé.
According to the ACC, the charges include:
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Abuse of official influence for personal or third-party gain.
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Acting against the interests of the state in an official capacity.
An additional charge of attempted crime has been recommended against Shifau Ali.
The ACC alleges that RI Engineering was inappropriately awarded evaluation points that it did not merit under the established criteria. Despite clear contract violations and grounds for termination, the agreement was not annulled. Instead, the company received advance and progressive payments, in breach of contractual obligations.
“These actions have caused significant financial losses to MTCC,” the ACC stated.
As a result, the ACC has directed MTCC to recover the lost amount of MVR 39.2 million, in addition to any further financial damages incurred due to the project mismanagement.
