President has handed over the responsibility of overseeing the work of Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment to Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed.
Spokesperson of President’s Office Ibrahim Hood stated the responsibilities of youth ministry has been handed over to the tourism minister for the time being. However, he did not disclose any further details.
SOF Private Limited which received the largest amount of the scandal deposited money to the account of Youth Minister Mahloof according to the detailed investigation report of Anti-Corruption Commission on Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). In this regard, USD 33,000 was deposited to the bank account of Mahloof, according to the ACC report.
President Solih ordered Youth Minister Mahloof to stay home until further notice. This is the first time in the recent history, a cabinet minister was asked to stay home due to allegations of corruption.
In a statement issued following the report of ACC, Ahmed Mahloof said the deposit was made for a currency exchange transaction which involves nothing illegal. He further revealed he will resign from the post if he is found guilty of corruption.