Township project is designed in a manner that results in loss of millions of USD and valuable public assets, while facilitating sudden enrichment of a specific group of individuals
20 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:09A private individual has filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requesting an investigation into the SEZ Township project, alleging it is structured to facilitate illicit enrichment for specific parties while causing significant financial loss to the state. The complainant called for an immediate halt to the project and a formal inquiry, citing concerns that the initiative could potentially compromise national security.
Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Council, speaks at an MDP event. | Raajje MV
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been petitioned to halt a major township project amid allegations that it was designed to facilitate illicit enrichment for specific individuals at the expense of millions of dollars and valuable public assets.
A formal complaint has been lodged with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), seeking an immediate injunction to halt the project pending a full investigation. The matter was submitted via a formal letter addressed to the President of the ACC, Al-Usthaz Adam Shamil, by a private citizen, Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem).
In his letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Saleem alleged that the SEZ township project appears to be designed in a manner that could result in the loss of millions of dollars and valuable public assets, while facilitating the illicit enrichment of specific individuals. He further noted that there is no global precedent where programs allowing foreign ownership of housing under such projects have yielded long-term benefits for the local population.
Saleem stated that this project would result in the loss of the Maldivian people's most valuable assets and billions of dollars in potential state revenue.
Furthermore, the letter stated that the public believes government institutions are blatantly embezzling state assets and funds because oversight bodies, such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), are failing to fully discharge their legally mandated responsibilities.
Furthermore, he alleged that the ACC has failed to take necessary action to curb major corruption within the government.
The issue raised by Saleem specifically highlights the sudden transfer of "Project Isla" to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework. The project, which involves land reclamation to develop a 262-room "ultra-luxury" resort on Digufaru and Dekunufaru in Noonu Atoll, was already underway at the time of the transition.
Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the selection process of "Henley & Partners" to manage the residency visa program for foreign nationals in the Maldives.
Saleem highlighted that reclassifying this project as an SEZ township would result in a loss of state revenue, and called for an investigation into the extent of theft and corruption behind the decision. He further urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to issue an injunction to halt the project and conduct an expedited investigation into the matter.
Reminding that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has a legal mandate to request relevant authorities to halt such matters, Saleem warned that failure to stop these activities could result in billions of dollars in losses to the state treasury. He further cautioned that this poses a significant threat to national sovereignty and security. He described the issue as a matter of grave concern for the Maldivian people today.
