Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) president Hassan Luthfee has been on official leave since the report on a commission investigation into state embezzlement.

An ACC official revealed that Luthfee, who was due to end his leave this week, had been absent and on a second leave, which he is currently on.

Luthfee has told the ACC that he believes, due to allegations against him, it would be most appropriate for him to take leave from his position at the head of the commission. 

Shortly after the report was released, on February 17th the central bank’s investigation unit announced an ongoing operation that could implicate Luthfee for money laundering. 

The case has been forwarded to the Maldives Police Service, who have confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation into the matter.

The ACC’s report into embezzlement of over a billion dollars from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation reveals details of the company’s then management falsifying reports and funneling money through local banks. 

The People's Majlis public finances committee this Wednesday sent a letter to members of the commission, requesting information on the investigation.