Umar Naseer alleges high‑level involvement in SOE corruption

Former Home Minister Umar Naseer has alleged that corruption within state‑owned enterprises (SOEs) is being carried out with the knowledge and direction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking on a Channel 13 programme, Umar claimed that the purpose of government companies “has become to steal,” and alleged that individuals are appointed to senior posts in order to “share” the company’s resources and income.

According to Umar, corruption within SOEs is not limited to personal gain.

“The heads of government companies will also share with the President. They will also add part to the party. And they will put aside some for themselves,” he said.

Umar further alleged that when corruption occurs, consequences depend on whether the “share” is fulfilled or whether the misconduct becomes public. He claimed that individuals may be jailed or reassigned if the expected distribution is disrupted.

He reiterated that, in his view, corruption in SOEs is pre‑planned:

“The corruption is done with the knowledge of the President and under the direction of the President. And the President takes his cut of it, and it is shared with political parties.”

During the interview, Umar also questioned the funding behind the newly opened headquarters of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), alleging that money obtained through corruption was used for the project.

Rumours of corruption in SOEs have circulated for years, but recent events have intensified public discussion.

On Sunday, the government dismissed STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shamah Rasheed after an audio clip surfaced in which Shamah appeared to discuss internal corruption. The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) has since confirmed that it is investigating a case involving Shamah, who was also previously removed as Managing Director of MIFCO.

The leaked audio referenced Azhadh Rameez, the company’s procurement general manager, and another individual as being aware of what Shamah was “trying to do” inside the company. Azhadh was also removed from his post on Sunday, though he remains employed at STELCO.

Speaking to Sun, Shamah denied wrongdoing, stating that he did not know the reason for his dismissal and claiming that a fake audio was being circulated.