Island Expert, the company that carried out the Blues Housing Project, has denied corruption allegations and sent a letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Adhadhu obtained a copy of the letter signed by Island Expert Managing Director Anon Songpanya. The letter, sent yesterday, said the audit report contained unfounded financial figures.
Island Expert noted that the company's audited bank statements, financial statements and tax receipts did not match the audit office's figures.
"Neither this company nor its employees have engaged in any illegal activity. Therefore, we deny the allegations that this company received undue benefit from the Blues Housing," the letter stated.
According to the special audit report from the Auditor General's Office, the project cost nearly MVR 1.1 billion due to changes brought to the project on different occasions.
The police cooperative, Polco, first awarded the project to Noomadi Resorts and Residences on June 30, 2013 for MVR 580 million. The contract was cancelled and the project was then awarded to Island Expert on March 17, 2017, due to project delays by Noomadi.
Island Expert said it would cooperate fully with the ACC investigation. The company also criticized the media coverage of the case.
Island Expert said the company's comment was not sought when journalists reported the news. However, the company included an incorrect phone number even in its letter addressed to the ACC. A company called Onesto answered when Adhadhu contacted the number.
The ACC has twice raided Polco's office to investigate the alleged corruption.
A Polco employee recently sent a letter to the People's Majlis expressing concern over widespread corruption within the organization.
The Polco board of directors has also received a proposal to remove its CEO Ahmed Anees while its chairman resigned earlier.
