ACC’s handling of NSPA corruption allegations suggests an attempt to protect a specific individual: Maaz Saleem

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cleared former NSPA CEO Heena Waleed of corruption allegations involving the suspected use of agency funds to establish MMTV. However, Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), who filed the initial complaint, asserts that the commission's conduct throughout the investigation suggests a deliberate attempt to protect a specific individual.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that relevant authorities have cleared former NSPA CEO Heena Waleed of any corruption regarding allegations that NSPA funds were used to establish MMTV. However, when RaajjeMV initially inquired with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the commission stated that the investigation was still ongoing. Following the publication of this report, the ACC revised its stance, claiming that the investigation had actually been concluded on the 9th of this month.

It remains unclear why the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) abruptly reversed its stance after initially confirming that an investigation into the matter was underway.

As the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that the investigation into the matter is complete, RaajjeMV once again reached out to the commission to clarify the outcome. In response, the ACC stated that it only publicly discloses information regarding cases forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office. For all other matters, the commission noted that its decision is communicated exclusively to the individual or party that filed the initial complaint.

On the same day, the ACC notified Maaz Saleem via text message and email that the investigation into the matter had been concluded.

In a message sent to Maaz Saleem, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that no evidence of corruption was found in the case. Detailed information regarding the decision has been shared via email.

According to the email, the investigation failed to produce sufficient evidence or testimony to substantiate any charges of corruption in this matter. Consequently, the Commission has ruled that no acts of corruption were involved in the case.

Speaking to RaajjeMV regarding the matter, Maaz stated that the case involves the leasing and subleasing of four floors of M.A. Shiraz in Male'. He noted that the agreement was made between the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and an individual identified as Abdulla Zahir, a native of HA. Vashafaru. Maaz further alleged that Zahir is the caretaker of M. Dhimyaath, the private residence of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and is a person with whom the President shares both family ties and vested interests.

The statement further noted that MMTV is a television channel established and operated under Maldives Media House Private Limited, a company registered in the name of Abdulla Zahir. It alleged that a coordinated plan was executed between Abdulla Zahir and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA)—a state-owned enterprise—to facilitate a transaction involving the lease of several floors at Ma. Shirazeege. Following an agreement between NSPA and Abdulla Zahir, a commercial transaction totaling MVR 34,800,000 (thirty-four million eight hundred thousand) was conducted using state funds allocated to NSPA.

He further noted that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had disregarded all relevant facts in this matter, acting solely with the intent of validating the President's remarks after he had spoken on the issue.