Fayyaz questioned by ACC over Swift Engineering case

Former Economic Minister and MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail was questioned on Monday by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in relation to an investigation involving Swift Engineering Pvt Ltd.

The case concerns allegations that the company received inadequate compensation from the government. The ACC alleges that Fayyaz, as a member of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee in 2019, participated in a decision that allegedly misused his official position to grant an undue benefit to Swift Engineering.

Fayyaz arrived at the ACC headquarters at 9:30 a.m. and was questioned for about six hours. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said the commission had provided no clear details about the investigation.

“They have no details about the investigation. There are no documents. It is not clear what investigation they are conducting,” Fayyaz said.

He further claimed that the ACC was acting under external pressure.

“It is known that the ACC is being forced to conduct an investigation on the orders of a certain person. Their words and actions show that they are ashamed. There is no basis, no weight. It is a politically motivated investigation,” he added.

Swift Engineering, owned by Thinadhoo North MP Saudullah Hilmy of the ruling PNC, was previously awarded several government projects. Saudullah has defended the actions of the former administration, saying the compensation process was conducted lawfully.

According to Saudullah:

He said that if the company had taken the matter to court, the government would likely have faced a higher compensation payout.

Fayyaz maintains that the case is politically motivated and denies any misuse of authority during his tenure as minister.