Hajj Corporation accused of misusing funds

The Transition Committee has accused Maldives Hajj Corporation of misusing the advance payments it received from Hajj pilgrims.

During a press conference held by a sub-committee of the Transition Committee this Thursday morning, former Managing Director of State Trading Organization (STO), Adam Azim said the Hajj Corporation has used MVR 30 million it received as payments from pilgrims for other purposes.

“The corporation has used MVR 30 million it received from pilgrims for other purposes. This took place due to pilgrims being sent on Hajj on credit due to political influence. This money could fund Hajj pilgrimage for approximately 300 pilgrims. This amount needs to be injected to the corporation or some pilgrims cannot make their pilgrimage for certain,” said Azim.

Azim said the committee received scarce information from the Hajj Corporation, and that the committee was unable to determine the exact number of pilgrims who made payments for Hajj pilgrimage.

Another member of the committee, Ilyas Labeeb said the MVR 30 million was used by the Hajj Corporation for other purposes, and that the committee was unable to trace where all the funds went.

Maldives Hajj Corporation was not immediately available for comment regarding the allegation.