Parliament to debate Fenaka corruption probe resolution tomorrow

A resolution calling for an expedited investigation into the corruption practices highlighted in the Audit Office report on Fenaka Corporation’s procurement of goods and services during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been scheduled for discussion tomorrow.

The agenda for the first sitting of the third term of Parliament has been announced. According to the schedule, PNC MP Mohamed Shameez of the Madeveli constituency has submitted a resolution calling for a probe into the corruption issues raised in the audit report.

The audit, which reviewed Fenaka’s transactions from 2021 to 2023, uncovered serious cases of fraud within the company.

This includes carrying out many projects without checking if the company could afford them, giving out MVR 1.3 billion worth of projects without a bidding process, and awarding MVR 31 million in projects to companies connected to former Fenaka MD Ahmed Saeed Mohamed’s family.

The audit also found that MVR 26 million in petty cash was handed out to employees, an office building was built at a cost MVR 767 million higher than the market price, and MVR 48 million was spent on transport, also higher than the usual cost.

In 2021, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had informed President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih that Saeed was facilitating corruption within the company. In a letter addressed to President Solih, former ACC President Mariyam Shiuna stated that investigations into several complaints revealed actions at Fenaka that enabled corruption.

However, by the end of Solih’s administration, these corruption allegations had not been addressed.

Other items on tomorrow’s agenda include the President’s nominations for four members to the National Integrity Commission and two members to the Tax Appeal Tribunal. The President will also present nominations for the Human Rights Commission. Additionally, the first reading of a bill submitted by MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) is scheduled to take place.