The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has accused Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan, of working at the request of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to link him with alleged embezzlement of funds from Road Development Corporation (RDC).
Fayyaz spoke to reporters outside the Sergeant Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building after spending about 35 minutes inside the building to comply with a police summons chit sent to him yesterday.
This is being done for political reasons, he told the press.
"Firstly, [this case] has nothing to do with me. This is being done by Happy Market Ihusan at the request of President Muizzu to link this with me. But the case is very clear. The information has been publicized, but this is exaggerated to defame us among the public," he said.
Fayyaz said he was questioned in connection with information on business transactions disclosed in the financial statements of ministers published on the President's Office website.
It was in connection with a loan taken from a company affiliated with him in September 2022, he added.
"In a case that doesn't hold water, they are holding onto something that has been publicly revealed to create fear. The police know that I will not be afraid. So they are trying to spread fear among the public.
Meanwhile, his lawyer Mahfooz Saeed told reporters that Fayyaz has not been informed of any involvement in the case connected to RDC and police have said there are no criminal accusations against him.
Fayyaz is the first politician summoned for a police investigation since President Muizzu assumed office in November last year.
The former Economic Minister has denied any wrongdoing and slammed the government for influencing the police for political reasons.
The RDC corruption is being jointly investigated by the police and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to information released by the police, the case was reported more than a year ago in September 2022.
