Former Economic Minister Fayyaz appears before ACC

Former Economic Minister and MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has appeared before the ACC today regarding a corruption accusation of him providing inadequate compensation to Swift Engineering.

MDP supporters had protested with signs in front of the ACC as he arrived.

As per the ACC's summons, Fayyaz is accused of abusing his official position as a member of the Dispute Resolution Committee in 2019. Specifically, the ACC alleges he provided inadequate compensation to Swift Engineering and obtained an undue benefit for the company.

The commission further alleges that this action was detrimental to the state, resulting in a matter that should have benefited the state acting otherwise.

Swift Engineering is owned by Thinadhoo North PNC MP Saudullah Hilmee.

Saudhulla stated that Swift Engineering being compensated with projects equal to its value was a huge benefit to the state during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.

Saudhulla said that six projects under Swift Engineering were stopped unlawfully during the previous administration.

He also stated that he appeared before the Settlement Committee at the time to request compensation for the losses incurred by Swift Engineering not in monetary form, but in projects equivalent to the amount that was lost due to the projects being halted.

Upon receiving the summons, Fayyaz posted on social media last Thursday stating he did not abuse his official position in an act to bring a detriment to the state. He also said that he believes that the ACC will and has the ability to conduct a fair investigation into the matter.

While Fayyaz appeared at the ACC today, former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer from the previous administration was also summoned to the ACC yesterday.