Malé, Maldives — The Maldives Police Service has confirmed the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations of corruption at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The investigation follows reports that land plots under the Binveriyaa Scheme were allocated to individuals disqualified during the evaluation process by the previous administration.

Among the land plots in question are those that remained unallocated by the previous administration. One of the recipients was reportedly Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, the elder brother of HDC’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed.

The irregularities came to light when HDC sought approval from the Housing Ministry to construct boundary walls on the plots. In response, the Ministry clarified that the plots were not assigned to anyone and that Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed was not among the qualified recipients. Documents supporting these allegations have surfaced on social media, sparking widespread public and political outcry.

During a press conference, HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed denied any wrongdoing and reiterated that HDC does not play a role in the allocation of Binveriyaa Scheme land plots. Fazul explained that HDC initiated a verification process after noticing irregularities in the allocations.

Addressing the involvement of his elder brother, Fazul described it as a “mere coincidence” and stated he was unaware of his brother’s role in the matter.

In response to the allegations, the Maldives Police Service conducted a raid on the HDC head office in Hulhumalé as part of their investigation. Authorities are scrutinizing the allocation process and any potential misconduct linked to the disqualified recipients.

The revelations have drawn sharp criticism from the public and political figures, including officials from the ruling party. Many have called for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.