Solih denies involvement in Fenaka graft

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Thursday that he had not engaged in any unaccountable acts during his presidency and denied involvement in the Fenaka Corporation corruption case.

Speaking on Raajje TV, Solih dismissed suggestions that he had received financial benefits from Fenaka-related transactions. “First of all, I have not done anything I cannot be held accountable for while in office. I will be held accountable for everything I have done and every step I have taken. I have not received any benefits or money,” he said.

The Auditor General’s Office released its 2021–2023 audit report on Fenaka late last month, which detailed expenditure of MVR 8.8 billion during the period. The report highlighted multiple procurement and project-related issues.

Earlier this week, former Fenaka Managing Director Ahmed Saeed was sentenced by the Criminal Court to four years in prison. Solih described the ruling as a politically motivated sentence.

The former president also criticised the timing of the audit report’s release, calling it politically driven. “I don't believe there is any reason to issue such a report suddenly in the middle of the night,” he said.

Solih argued that corruption in state institutions could only be addressed by strengthening independent bodies and ensuring judicial independence. He said that during his administration, the Audit Office and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) were given full independence and powers.

He added that cases investigated by the ACC during his presidency included procurement issues at Fenaka, with recommendations for corrective measures. Solih said reports at the time indicated that Fenaka had implemented some of these changes.

He contrasted the handling of cases, noting that while Saeed’s trial was expedited, corruption cases involving other figures had not been pursued. “We sent a case of corruption against the incumbent Mohamed Nimal to court in December 2022. The case is not being investigated,” Solih said.

He further noted that if each government continued to selectively prosecute officials, broader accountability would never be achieved.