Public Service Media official faces corruption charges
MVR 481,000 was paid for the rent
Anti-Corruption Commission did not reveal the official's name in the report
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Maldives has sought charges against a top official of the state broadcasting company Public Service Media (PSM) for alleged abuse of power.
According to an official from ACC, a former procurement director of PSM had illegally leased two floors of an unconstructed building in Haa Dhaal Atoll Hanimaadhoo island to establish the Maldives Media Training Institute. He furthermore said that the investigation into the contract had found that PSM has continued to pay rent since 2015, though the housing ministry is yet to sign off on the building.
ACC released its report on investigation into the case this Monday, in which the commission said PSM has been making MVR 74,000 per month in lease payment for the two floors over a two-year period up until June, 2016. And that the lease payment was made despite criterions in the lease agreement being unfulfilled.
ACC said PSM had paid a total of MVR 481,000 in lease payments so far. Adding that the investigation showed exertion of undue influence by Director of Procurement Department at the time, in making the payments.
ACC has asked the state prosecutor to file charges against the director and recover the funds.
