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Graft probe into Youth Minister ongoing: President's Office

Shahudha Mohamed
18 March 2019, MVT 14:56
Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Mahloof. PHOTO: MIHAARU / HUSSAIN WAHEED
Shahudha Mohamed
18 March 2019, MVT 14:56

President’s Office revealed on Monday that the investigation into the currently suspended Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Mahloof is ongoing despite Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) statement that he was not being investigated for graft.

Minister Mahloof was suspended approximately a month ago, regarding a money transaction with SOF, a company linked to the MVR 1.3 billion embezzlement case of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).

ACC’s report on MMPRC’s embezzlement case revealed that Minister Mahloof’s bank account received a transfer of USD 33,000 from SOF. However, the corruption watchdog later stated that Minister Mahloof had not committed any acts of corruption.

Chief Communications Strategist at the President’s Office Ibrahim Hood revealed to local media Mihaaru that the Office has not reached a conclusion on Minister Mahloof’s case as of yet.

“The case is under investigation. It has not concluded”, he said.

When questioned whether ACC had notified the President’s Office of Minister Mahloof’s non-involvement in the corruption scandal, Hood replied that no such information was received.

Although ACC’s report revealed a transfer of USD 33,000 into the now suspended Youth Minister's bank account, Mahloof insisted that it was a legitimate transaction.

In a statement addressing the accusations against him, he disclosed that the US Dollars transferred from SOF was a money exchange transaction with his relative acting as the middle man, and that the equivalent was paid in Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Additionally, Minister Mahloof publicised a receipt of the transaction as documented proof.

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