Thinadhoo council accuses ACC of theft amid corruption investigation

Thinadhoo City Council has accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of unlawfully taking council property during their investigation into multiple corruption cases linked to the council. However, the ACC has denied these allegations, stating that they followed all legal procedures while obtaining the necessary documents.

Corruption cases against Thinadhoo Council were reported to the ACC by residents of the island. ACC officers entered the council office, conducted searches, and seized documents required for their investigation. However, the council, in a statement on its official Facebook page, claimed that individuals identifying themselves as ACC officers had "stolen" a large number of items. This led to the suspension of some council services, and the matter has also been reported to the police.

When questioned, a Thinadhoo Council member stated that they were unaware of the details. In response to media inquiries, police confirmed that the council had filed a theft case but said their preliminary investigation found no evidence supporting the claim. The police assured that they are further investigating the case.

In a statement released today, the ACC reiterated that they had obtained the necessary documents in accordance with legal protocols despite receiving no cooperation from the Thinadhoo City Council. The commission refuted the council’s allegations, stating that all procedures were followed under the Constitution and the ACC Act.

"The allegations by the council regarding this matter is false," the ACC statement said, expressing serious concern over the spread of misinformation about the commission’s activities.

While the ACC has not disclosed specific details about the corruption cases under investigation, six cases of corruption are alleged against the council. The commission expedited its investigation due to concerns over potential evidence tampering.

Among the corruption allegations include a case involving the construction of a monument at the island's harbor. It is alleged that council employees submitted a bid under a company's name without its knowledge, and the funds were subsequently deposited into another company’s account.