Authorities have overturned a court order to seize the passports of nine individuals suspected of involvement in allegations of unlawful distribution of land plots under the 'Binveriyaa' housing scheme.
In response to the Maldives Police Service (MPS) investigation into the alleged fraud, a court had initially sanctioned the withholding of the passports of 20 individuals, banning them from travelling abroad while the investigation continued. However, the court has now overturned the order for nine of those individuals, following deliberations with the prosecutor general, according to the MPS.
The investigation into the 'Binveriyaa' scheme has led to significant actions within the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). On 19 December, the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) suspended the entire HDC board of directors, with the exception of the chairperson. These suspensions were lifted on 24 December.
Subsequently, former Managing Director of HDC, Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, tendered his resignation. His brother, Deputy Managing Director of Malé Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd. (MWSC), Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, was also suspended due to his alleged involvement in the fraud.
Police have clarified that the nine individuals whose passports were released do not include the Rasheed brothers. On 24 December, as part of the ongoing investigation, police raided Fazul Rasheed's residence, seizing several electronic devices as evidence.
Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a separate investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power related to the scandal. As part of the ACC investigation, authorities, under court order, had withheld the passports of several former senior officials from the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure of the previous administration. The ACC also indicated that prosecutorial proceedings have commenced to determine whether to bring charges against these individuals.