Police launch probe into transactions linked to MP Shujau

Police have begun an investigation into a series of financial transactions over the past two years involving companies linked to Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau. The probe follows a report submitted by the Maldives Monetary Authority’s (MMA) Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

A document, purportedly prepared by the FIU, detailing transactions involving Official Events and other companies associated with Shujau, was circulated on social media on Saturday. While the report has triggered public discussion, Shujau has questioned its authenticity.

According to an official, police are investigating the matter. No further details were provided.

The FIU report includes references to transactions involving Shujau, his relative and Deputy Minister of Fisheries Mohamed Nafiz, and Ahmed Adham, a shareholder of Official Events and board member of Public Service Media (PSM).

The companies under scrutiny include:

The report highlights several transactions, including a MVR 23 million payment by the Ministry of Finance to SIWEC on 13 November 2023 for the inauguration ceremony of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. From this amount:

The report further states that Official Events used MVR 8 million from the proceeds received from SIWEC to purchase two apartments at Rainbow Residences for its shareholders as a commitment fee. Each apartment was valued at MVR 20 million.

In addition, the report names several state-owned entities—including Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and State Trading Organisation (STO)—as having made significant payments for official events.

Following the emergence of the report, Abdulla Ashraf, then-head of the FIU, has been removed from his position and reassigned within the MMA.