ACC investigates three employees for siphoning MVR 1.5 million in salaries under false identities

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into a case involving the embezzlement of MVR 1.5 million from a school in Malé. The funds were allegedly siphoned over a five-year period by continuing to draw a salary in the name of a foreign employee who had already left their position.

Three senior staff members of the school are accused of involvement in this matter.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed it is investigating an embezzlement case involving a school in Malé following a formal complaint. However, the Commission stated that as the investigation is currently ongoing, no further details can be disclosed at this time.

The Civil Service Commission has decided to dismiss three employees from the school in connection with this case. Those facing dismissal include the school’s administrator, the human resources manager, and the budget officer. The three employees are accused of collaborating to embezzle funds by falsifying payroll records. Since 2021, they had allegedly been drawing a salary in the name of an expatriate staff member who had already left the school’s employment.

According to reports, after a foreign employee left the Maldives, another individual's name was added to the payroll in their place, and salary payments continued to be drawn under that name. These funds were reportedly deposited into the bank accounts of various individuals related to the budget officer. It is alleged that a total of 1.5 million MVR was embezzled from the state budget through this scheme over a period of five years.

This major embezzlement case came to light during an administrative audit of schools conducted by the Ministry of Education. While some sources suggest that 43 school employees were involved in the matter, the Ministry of Education has yet to release any official details to the media regarding the case.