Adhadhu has learnt that Baarashu MP Ibrahim Shujau was not questioned despite a money laundering and corruption investigation launched against him more than a year ago.
Shujau confirmed to Adhadhu that he had not been questioned by any agency. The powerful figure from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) was investigated by the central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Neither the police nor the ACC disclosed whether an investigation was underway. The FIU investigation was leaked on social media some days ago.
The police and ACC later confirmed an investigation was ongoing, but did not say when the investigation began or whether any action had been taken so far.
The central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), began the investigation after payment was issued to three companies after the Sifainge Welfare Company (SIWEC) hired sub-contractors for the swearing-in ceremony of President Mohamed Muizzu.
On November 17, 2023, the ceremony was held at the Republic Square in Male'. The ceremony was held under the supervision of the parliament. The parliament awarded the work to SIWEC for MVR 22.9 million.
SIWEC was contracted without going to the tender stage as it costs more than MVR 5 million. Government-owned companies can be contracted without tender. The government holds a 10 percent stake in SIWEC.
The total amount was deposited to SIWEC accounts on December 10, 2023, through two transactions. Out of the total amount, SIWEC gave MVR 19.7 million to three different companies.
They are Official Events, DG Holdings and Quick Sure. SIWEC gave MVR 13 million for Official Events, MVR 4 million for DG Holdings and MVR 2.3 million for Quick Sure.
According to the FIU report, MVR 8 million from MVR 13 million deposited to Shujau's Official Events was used to purchase luxury apartments for two shareholders. The second shareholder is Ahmed Adhuham, who sits on the board of state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM). The report noted that 14.46 percent of the total amount was deposited into Shujau's account.
Shujau owns a 50 percent stake in Official Events. At the time, he was Hulhumale' district councillor for the Male' city council and Vice President of the PNC.
Quick Sure is registered in the name of Mohamed Nafiz, Shujau's cousin. He is a deputy minister in the youth ministry of the current government.
According to the report, between November 2, 2022, and November 7, 2023, Male' city council paid Quick Sure MVR 10.5 million for various works. President Mohamed Muizzu was the mayor at the time.
After Muizzu assumed office in late 2023, the Ministry of Finance and government companies deposited large amounts of money in the accounts of Official Events. According to the FIU report, more than MVR 16 million was deposited during the period. Most of these transactions took place between December 2023 and January 2024.
The companies include Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), State Electric Company (Stelco) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
This money is believed to be payments for managing various events. Official Events is one of the biggest event management companies in the Maldives.
The report recommended further investigation into the transactions, alleging possibility of money laundering. The report also makes allegations against SIWEC officials, but it is unclear whether the cases are being investigated.
