Saeed criticizes AG amidst Fenaka corruption scandal

When the Auditor General Office's audit report stated Fenaka Corporation had made transactions that facilitated corruption during Ahmed Saeed's time as Managing Director, Saeed began to criticize Auditor General Hussain Niyazy.

The report that was released on Thursday night stated that Fenaka had worked to acquire goods and services from the beginning of 2021 until the end of 2023. The report highlighted many transactions that facilitated corruption.

Out of the MVR 2.2 billion worth of work awarded to different parties, MVR 1.3 billion was awarded outside the legal framework and without a bidding process.

While Saeed was MD, Fenaka employees had issued reports to the ACC, with the Fenaka audit report bringing issues of fraud to light.

Saeed released a statement pertaining to the publication of the audit report. The statement read that from his time being appointed as Fenaka MD until he left, all procurement transactions had been conducted by abiding to the corporation's rules and guidelines. He also stated that no contracts nor projects were given to anyone outside their guidelines.

"Within that time period, I give my complete assurance that no amount of state funds were taken for personal use and no unfair benefits were obtained," as was said by Saeed in the statement.

Even though he had stated the above, the ACC had begun investigating the awarding of projects against guidelines during MDP's administration. The ACC then requested the President's Office to take measures against Fenaka. The President's Office at the time had told Fenaka to fix the issue.

Saeed had made an accusation in the statement, saying that the audit report was made hastily without acquiring the available information from Fenaka.

"Information about the company could have been obtained from me as I am still here. Releasing the report without getting any information in a hasty manner is a means to an end. Instilling unrest in the hearts of the people by releasing an untrue report in these times is an irresponsible act that will raise questions amongst civilians regarding institutions," said Saeed.

While Saeed was MD of Fenaka during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, in 2021, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had already notified the President of corruption and suspicious activities at Fenaka during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.

Then ACC President Mariyam Shiuna informed President Solih in a letter that while some complaints against Fenaka had been investigated, others remained under review. The letter noted that their findings pointed to corrupt practices within the company.

Despite the allegations of corruption within Fenaka, no action was taken before the administration left office.