The parliament is investigating illicit enrichment allegations against Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Dawood, who had millions in his bank account deposited by an anonymous person.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim announced this while presenting a report to a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee based on information from a whistleblower.
Nazim said Dawood was investigated during the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal and recommendations were sent to the police Professional Command.
But the case had ended there, the MP for Dhiggaru said.
He added that the police investigation collected a lot of information, including the transfer of money to Dawood's bank account between 2023 and 2024 by an anonymous person.
"A lot of money went into Dawood's account in 2023 and 2024 and the source of income is unknown. He is not involved in any businesses, but a large amount of money was being sent to his account and the source of the funds is unknown," Nazim said.
The investigation also found that the rent of Mahchangolhi Thalhamudhige was being sent to Dawood and his wife's account since 2016. But the house does not belong to them.
Nazim said the investigation concludes that the only way they get the rent from the house is because Dawood had invested in building the house. The investigation decided to find out how he earned that money for investment.
"Dawood has also bought more apartments from FW Residence. He paid MVR 4.1 million in cash in 10 instalments. This was done in the name of a family member and the apartment has since been transferred to one of his children," he added.
Nazim said the Assistant Commissioner of Police had bought property worth MVR 14.6 million - funds believed to be connected to the MMPRC corruption. He did not share further details as they were confidential under an investigation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Dawood was among seven people who were dismissed from their jobs in connection with a case investigated by the Police Board under the Police Service Act. But he went to the court and got his job back. He was a Superintendent of Police at the time.
He was promoted to the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police on September 17, 2024, despite serious allegations against him. The Assistant Commissioner of Police is the highest promoted post in the police force.
