Sub-committee probes 13 Fenaka officials over graft, fraud

The names of 13 officials from the project and procurement departments of Fenaka Corporation implicated in corruption and fraud cases during the previous administration have been referred to the Parliament’s Finance Committee sub-committee investigating Fenaka’s operations.

The sub-committee on Fenaka issues held a meeting on Wednesday to review three reports concerning procurement, employment, and project management. These include:

Committee Chairperson and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim said Fenaka had been given until noon on Tuesday to share details of the employees involved. The company submitted the requested information on Wednesday morning.

Nazim confirmed that the list includes the names of 13 department heads from Fenaka’s project and procurement divisions, along with details of 19 additional permanent and contract employees. He noted that 65 employees from the departments were laid off between 2021 and 2023.

“These 13 department heads are directly linked to the reported corruption and procurement irregularities. Their names will be included in the resolution to be submitted to Parliament,” Nazim said.

Nazim outlined the committee’s plan of action, stating that a preliminary report identifying areas requiring reform will be issued before Parliament recesses in November.

The sub-committee will then give Fenaka two months to address the issues raised. When Parliament resumes in February, the committee will begin a detailed review of the findings and corrective measures taken by the company.

He said the committee also intends to examine cases of alleged misappropriation involving Fenaka funds, including reports of private properties being developed using company resources.

“There is information about a building under construction on an island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll reportedly funded with Fenaka money. This will be treated as a potential asset under investigation,” Nazim said.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has already requested the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the matter. Nazim said the committee will share its findings with relevant authorities once its review of the audit reports is completed.

The Auditor General’s Office found extensive financial and procedural irregularities in Fenaka’s operations between 2021 and 2023, including:

President Mohamed Muizzu has ordered a full investigation into the audit findings. The Prosecutor General has instructed the ACC and police to expedite inquiries and identify individuals who benefited from the misappropriated funds.