Authorities have imposed a travel ban on four individuals, including a former top government official, amidst allegations of corruption tied to the Binveriyaa Scheme.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that the passports of former Minister of State for Housing Akram Kamaluddeen and three other senior officials from the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development have been confiscated. This action comes as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that land was allocated to ineligible recipients under the Binveriyaa Scheme.
The other individuals implicated are Mohamed Arif, Senior Executive Director at the ministry, as well as former Directors General Ahmed Vishal Naseem and Lirugam Waheed. Sources close to the investigation have revealed that these officials allegedly played a role in the irregular allocation of land plots under the scheme, sparking public outrage and legal scrutiny.
This latest development follows an earlier court order to withhold the passports of 20 individuals associated with the case. Among them are Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).
The ACC’s probe has centered on accusations that land designated for recipients under the government’s Binveriyaa housing initiative was allocated improperly. These irregularities reportedly benefited individuals who were not listed as eligible beneficiaries, raising concerns about misuse of public resources.
The investigation highlights ongoing efforts to address corruption in key government projects. The ACC has emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in public housing initiatives, as this case continues to unfold.
No further details have been released regarding potential charges or the timeline for legal proceedings. However, the travel restrictions serve as a preventive measure to ensure the accused remain available for questioning and any forthcoming judicial processes.
The Binveriyaa Scheme, which was launched to address housing shortages, has been mired in controversy, with critics pointing to alleged favoritism and lack of oversight in its implementation. This case marks a significant step in uncovering the extent of the scheme’s mismanagement, as authorities vow to restore public trust in housing policies.
