Shujau denies knowledge of alleged FIU report on graft deals
A document claiming to be a report prepared by the FIU was circulated on social media on Saturday.
Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau has denied knowledge of an alleged report by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) concerning financial transactions involving companies in which he holds shares.
A document claiming to be a report prepared by the FIU was circulated on social media on Saturday. It allegedly focuses on transactions conducted over the past two years involving several companies, including Official Events, Swan Family, Stow Pros Trading, Quick Sure, and DQ Holdings. The report also names Deputy Minister of Fisheries Mohamed Nafiz and Public Service Media (PSM) board member Ahmed Adham as individuals linked to these companies.
According to the document, DQ Holdings has an annual turnover of MVR 9 million and was previously listed among companies that failed to pay taxes to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
MP Shujau, responding to the circulation of the document, stated on social media that his businesses operate in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. He said he had not received any official notification from any state agency and questioned the authenticity of the report.
“I do not know whether the document is genuine or fabricated, as no official authority has shared any such report with me,” Shujau said. “If the document is valid, it represents a serious mischaracterisation intended to damage the reputation of my company.”
The report is said to have been prepared in relation to transactions between the companies mentioned and the three individuals. It reportedly follows the FIU’s submission of information to police authorities. However, police have not issued any public comment on the matter.
Among the transactions noted in the alleged report:
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On 13 November 2023, the Ministry of Finance reportedly paid MVR 23 million to SIWEC for the inauguration ceremony of President Mohamed Muizzu.
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Of this amount, MVR 13 million was allegedly deposited to Official Events by SIWEC.
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SIWEC also reportedly deposited MVR 4.2 million to DQ Holdings and MVR 2.3 million to Quick Sure.
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From the funds received, Official Events allegedly spent MVR 8 million on the purchase of two apartments at Rainbow Residences for its shareholders as a commitment fee.
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Each apartment is valued at MVR 20 million.
The report further claims that entities such as the Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and State Trading Organisation (STO) have made substantial payments to Official Events.
In response, Shujau said that Official Events has successfully completed projects during the administrations of former President Abdulla Yameen, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and the current government.
“Our company has secured bids for such projects due to its prior experience and ability to deliver,” Shujau said. “I intend to continue conducting business as guaranteed to every Maldivian under the law.”
Shujau added that he has never been under investigation by any government agency and that, if required, he would cooperate with any inquiry.
“It is unwise to believe that such allegations will hinder my political activities,” he said.
