Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem has alleged that President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration intends to use a newly proposed bill on the seizure of criminal assets as a tool to blackmail business owners.
The government-sponsored bill, introduced by Fuvahmulah Central MP Ali Fazad, outlines procedures for the state to confiscate assets acquired through serious criminal activity following a conviction. It also includes provisions for the state to seize such assets in special circumstances even before a conviction is secured.
The legislation would further allow the state to seize assets acquired through criminal means prior to the bill being enacted into law. Debating the bill today, Meekail questioned the government's motives, citing the provision allowing asset seizure without a court verdict as his biggest concern.
"This bill allows for the seizure of property before a conviction is proven, which violates fundamental rights. Anyone who has observed President Muizzu’s past actions will know exactly how this bill will be utilised once it becomes law," he stated.
The bill also includes frameworks for freezing and confiscating criminal assets through international cooperation, as well as assisting foreign nations in seizing assets held in the Maldives by their citizens.
"This is a 'Blackmail Bill.' The true purpose and intent behind its submission are clear to all of us, as is how the government plans to implement it. I challenge the government; we will not even recover the cost of drafting this bill through its enforcement," Meekail said.
To prevent transactions involving illicit gains, the bill further details procedures for freezing assets, as well as the management and utilisation of property held or confiscated by the state.
"The objective here is to blackmail the Maldivian business community. Everything—from parliamentary proceedings and PSIP projects to interfering with the judiciary—is being orchestrated to win the 2028 presidential election by hook or by crook," Meekail added.
He concluded by asserting that the government would not be able to win an election by blackmailing individuals and suppressing the business community.
