The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) land allocation scandal has taken new turns as investigations by the Maldives Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continue to unravel alleged irregularities in land and flat distribution under the Binveriya and Gedhoruveriya housing schemes. The controversy, which surfaced recently, has triggered a leadership shake-up at HDC and intensified public scrutiny over the misuse of state resources.
Employees Reinstated Under Suspension
Fifteen senior HDC employees, who were terminated in connection with the scandal, have been reinstated but remain on suspension. Among those reinstated are Chief Financial Officer Abdulla Faid and Chief Business Officer Ahmed Yameen. HDC confirmed that the reinstated employees would be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation, which also includes the confiscation of passports for 20 individuals to prevent their departure from the country.
This move follows allegations of land being sold at reduced prices and flats being improperly awarded to individuals without meeting eligibility requirements. Former HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, who resigned on Saturday after being suspended, is among the key figures under investigation.
Key Developments in the Investigation
The police, acting under court orders, have raided Fazul’s apartment and seized several electronic devices. The phone of Fazul’s brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), has also been confiscated. Fazeel’s land registration under the Binveriya scheme has come under scrutiny, with police confirming procedural irregularities in its approval.
Investigators are examining whether corruption or abuse of power influenced the allocation of land and flats. The ACC has initiated discussions with the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to determine whether criminal charges will be filed against implicated individuals.
ACC and PGO Collaboration
The ACC, which launched an urgent investigation into the Binveriya and Gedhoruveriya schemes, has reported that a significant portion of flats allocated under these programmes during the previous administration were given to ineligible recipients. According to the ACC, 60% of those listed as flat recipients did not meet the necessary criteria.
The ACC is also reviewing documents submitted by individuals alleged to have obtained land through invalid means. The Prosecutor General has instructed both the ACC and the police to expedite their investigations, provide weekly updates, and ensure cases are promptly submitted for prosecution.
The controversy has led to significant changes within HDC’s leadership. While Fazul has been replaced by former construction minister Mohamed Mauroof Jameel as the new managing director, the suspensions of all HDC board directors, except Chairman Ahmed Nasif, were lifted earlier this week.
Public Scrutiny and Calls for Accountability
The scandal has sparked widespread public concern over the misuse of state resources and the integrity of housing allocation processes. Authorities have assured the public that those found culpable will face legal action, with both the ACC and police working to ensure transparency and accountability.
As investigations progress, the case continues to raise questions about governance and the safeguarding of public interest in critical housing programmes. Further updates are expected as authorities advance their inquiries and prepare cases for prosecution.
