Four Milandhoo police officers dismissed over fund misappropriation

Four police officers stationed in Shaviyani atoll Milandhoo have been recommended for dismissal following an internal investigation into the misappropriation of catering funds, the Maldives Police Service confirmed. 

The decision was made by the Police Disciplinary Board on Wednesday after a probe by the Professional Standards Command.

The officers are also suspended from duty pending the outcome of any appeals. Their identities have not been disclosed.

The case came to light after social media allegations surfaced claiming that MVR 18 million had been illegally transferred to the officers’ accounts via catering arrangements. While police have acknowledged the investigation, they have not confirmed the amount involved.

According to reports, the funds were intended for meal services at the Milandhoo Police Station but were instead routed through the officers’ personal accounts. The arrangement allegedly involved collusion with catering providers, allowing officers to bill for services that were not rendered.

The incident has prompted scrutiny of budget allocations for police meals, with MVR 168 million earmarked for police food expenses this year, including MVR 87 million in direct allowances.