The Maldives Police Service has launched a criminal investigation into allegations of corruption involving the Hulhumalé Development Corporation (HDC) and its land allocation process. The case involves claims that land was allocated to individuals who were not listed as eligible under the government’s landowner scheme.
The issue was uncovered after HDC requested the Housing Ministry's approval to erect fences for landowners under the scheme. The Housing Ministry, upon reviewing the request, found discrepancies in the database. They noted that some individuals mentioned in HDC's letter were not listed as eligible applicants. Additionally, the ministry confirmed that land referenced in a letter by two individuals claiming ownership of plots in Hulhumalé Lot No. 20768 had not been allocated by the ministry.
Documents circulating on social media have heightened scrutiny of the case. Among the names mentioned is Fazeel Rasheed, the brother of Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, Managing Director of HDC, who allegedly applied for permission to construct a wall on a disputed plot.
Under the first phase of the landowner scheme launched during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, 18,955 individuals were deemed eligible for land, and 9,003 plots were allocated across Hulhumalé, Gulheefalhu, and Giraavarufalhu.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be conducted transparently, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the land allocation process.
The issue was uncovered after HDC requested the Housing Ministry's approval to erect fences for landowners under the scheme. The Housing Ministry, upon reviewing the request, found discrepancies in the database. They noted that some individuals mentioned in HDC's letter were not listed as eligible applicants. Additionally, the ministry confirmed that land referenced in a letter by two individuals claiming ownership of plots in Hulhumalé Lot No. 20768 had not been allocated by the ministry.
Documents circulating on social media have heightened scrutiny of the case. Among the names mentioned is Fazeel Rasheed, the brother of Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, Managing Director of HDC, who allegedly applied for permission to construct a wall on a disputed plot.
Under the first phase of the landowner scheme launched during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, 18,955 individuals were deemed eligible for land, and 9,003 plots were allocated across Hulhumalé, Gulheefalhu, and Giraavarufalhu.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be conducted transparently, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the land allocation process.
