K-Park buyers say developer can't be contacted, seek answers from HDC

A law firm representing buyers of apartments in the K-Park Residence project in Hulhumalé has requested a meeting with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), citing continued delays in the handover of units and difficulties in contacting the project's developer, Hanbo.

The request was made by Advocacy Chambers, which represents a group of buyers affected by the K-Park apartment dispute.

The controversy surrounding the project emerged in April 2023 following allegations that 23 apartments had been sold to multiple buyers, affecting more than 50 individuals.

Several affected buyers subsequently filed cases at the Civil Court, which ordered that apartments be handed over to them.

Criminal proceedings were also initiated against Hassan Mamdooh, a minority shareholder of the company, and Jaishan Saeed, who was accused of assisting in the scheme.

Despite the allegations, Hanbo Tech Korea had previously stated that construction of the K-Park project would continue.

In a letter addressed to HDC Managing Director Mohamed Mauroof Jameel, Advocacy Chambers said buyers have yet to receive their apartments and that efforts to resolve the matter have produced little progress.

The law firm stated that previous attempts to engage with HDC had not resulted in a resolution. It added that buyers later attempted to contact Hanbo directly but were unable to locate the company.

“The individuals who purchased flats from this project have still not received their properties,” the letter stated.

The firm requested HDC's assistance in locating the developer and arranging a meeting to discuss a path forward.

“We wish to ascertain how this transpired, locate the developer wherever they may be, and meet with them. Since HDC is the custodian of their information, we request that a meeting be arranged with HDC to find a pathway to accomplish this,” the letter said.

Buyers previously met with HDC in 2024 seeking a solution to the dispute. Participants at the meeting said they had requested a complete list of apartment purchasers, including details of payments made, but were informed that HDC did not possess such information.

The K-Park case has also resulted in criminal convictions.

In December last year, the Criminal Court sentenced Mamdooh to a combined prison term of 397 years after finding him guilty on 94 charges. Jaishan Saeed was sentenced to 159 years in prison in connection with the same case.

The K-Park Residence development is located in Hulhumalé and was marketed as a residential apartment project before the allegations concerning the sale of units emerged.