Malé, Maldives — President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has warned CEOs and Managing Directors of state-owned enterprises of swift action against corrupt practices, reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption. The statement comes as authorities investigate irregularities in the allocation of land plots under the Binveriyaa Scheme, which has drawn significant public scrutiny.

The President delivered his warning via a WhatsApp message to heads of state-owned enterprises, emphasizing strict adherence to regulations and ethical conduct.

“If anyone violates regulations or principles, engages in corrupt practices, creates opportunities for corruption, or facilitates unjust actions for any individual, I will take the necessary measures upon becoming aware of such conduct.” President Muizzu stated.

He further emphasized, “I have zero tolerance for corruption and will enforce this policy in its fullest sense.”

The controversy has already led to the suspension of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed and the entire HDC board. Fazul’s elder brother, Mohamed Fazeel Ibrahim, the Deputy Managing Director of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), has also been suspended. Fazeel is reportedly among the beneficiaries of the irregular land plot allocations.

Maldives Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are probing the issuance of unverified documents for land plots by the previous administration, which led to multiple allocations for the same plots and allocations to ineligible individuals.

HDC flagged the irregularities after receiving multiple applications for the same plots and initiated a verification process through the Housing Ministry before approving construction. Authorities have since identified several unverified documents linked to these allocations.

The government has assured that rightful landowners under the Binveriyaa Scheme will not lose their entitlements. President Muizzu’s strong stance highlights his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring accountability within state-owned enterprises.

As the investigation unfolds, further actions against those implicated in the scandal are expected.