Broadcom suspends IT officer as well

Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has suspended its IT officer, Ahmed Fazeel, for seven days.

Fazeel confirmed the suspension to Mihaaru News on Wednesday but said he was not informed of the reason.

The suspension comes amid technical difficulties with Broadcom’s server, which prompted the commission to seek assistance from police digital forensic technicians.

In a statement, Maldives Police Service confirmed their officers entered the Broadcom office yesterday to help resolve the issue.

“Police digital data technicians entered the Broadcom office at the request of Broadcom to assist in resolving a problem encountered with its server,” the statement said.

However, Fazeel claimed the visit was for a forensic investigation. Police denied this, and said that "entry was not in connection with a case.

It is learned that police were checking whether there had been any intent to disrupt operations, after the commission's server had been shut down.

Fazeel’s suspension follows the suspension of Broadcom Secretary General Mariyam Zeeniya last Tuesday. Zeeniya was suspended on grounds of obstructing the commission’s work and failing to implement its decisions.

The situation at the commission escalated yesterday as a number of employees reportedly walked out in protest. Staff also voiced concerns about internal management and recent decisions made by the commission.