Deputy minister dismissed amid housing fraud investigation

A Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Fisheries has been dismissed following allegations that he obtained millions of rufiyaa from individuals by claiming he could secure flats and land plots for them.

Police have also launched an investigation into the allegations.

Mohamed Yaseen, who served as a Deputy Minister at the ministry, was removed from his post after the allegations surfaced on social media.

President's Office Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef told Dhauru on Saturday that the Ministry of Fisheries conducted an initial review after the allegations emerged.

According to the spokesperson, Yaseen was suspended when the matter came to light. Following the ministry's internal inquiry, which found grounds to proceed further, he was dismissed from his position around two weeks ago.

The Maldives Police Service confirmed on Saturday that it is investigating a case involving allegations that money was obtained from members of the public by claiming they would receive flats and land plots.

Police did not release further details about the investigation.