Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has begun probe into the purchase of a landing craft by Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) from a company with close links to key Government officials.

ACC Vice President Muawwiz Rasheed confirmed that such a case was already under investigation, without divulging additional details.

RaajjeMV understands the entire project had cost MVR 6 million. Thirty percent of the MVR 6 million had been paid upfront to the company. RaajjeMV also understands the landing craft is yet to be delivered to WAMCO.

The Commission had also investigated a similar case on WAMCO last year. It was reported that majority of the proceeds from the hire of three landing craft and boats to transport waste, were being pocketed by senior figures at WAMCO and politicians affiliated with the Corporation.

A case filed by a private citizen noted that the landing craft was hired on the rate of MVR 45,000- 50,000 per day. Based on these figures, the letter said, WAMCO on average was spending over MVR 4 million just on these hires.

A brand-new landing craft costs just under MVR 10 million. Therefore, the case filed had questioned why the Corporation had sought the more expensive option of hiring when they can easily purchase three new landing craft for a significantly lower rate.