It has been revealed that the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) paid more than MVR 17 million to a private company in the name of buying a crane during the parliamentary elections.
Some sources familiar with the transaction told Adhadhu that the corruption took place in March 2024.
The money was issued for the purchase of a crane for the MPL port in Hulhumale'. The agreement was signed with a Chinese company. However, Bizasia Pvt Ltd, as the Chinese company's local agent, handled all the transactions, sources told the Adhadhu.
"Local agents were involved in all this. They were paid," a source said.
The total cost of the crane is estimated at MVR 19 million. MPL paid 90 percent (MVR 17 million) of the price to the local agent.
"This corruption was exposed with the new CEO Rishwan. They are investigating this as a serious matter," a source said.
When contacted, an official of Bizasia admitted that it acted as the local agent for the Chinese company, but refused to provide further details.
Recently, a report from the central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) revealed that state utility company Fenaka funds were used for the campaign of ruling People's National Congress (PNC) candidates,
The Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) covers the period from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. During the period, Fenaka issued MVR 37 million to Kengo Private Limited under 47 transactions.
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) also issued millions of dollars to Chinese companies as advance payments for projects during the parliamentary election campaign.
However, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Auditor General have not said whether they have taken any action.
