Authorities to adopt ‘more aggressive’ approach in MMPRC probe

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed, on Thursday, announced the authorities planned to line up more resources and adopt a more aggressive approach to investigate the MVR 3.3 billion MMPRC embezzlement case.

The case is under investigation by the police, the Asset Recovery Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). While Asset Recovery Commission has compiled a list of 267 suspects, the identities of the suspects have not been released, and neither has the commission requested charges against any suspects.

Commissioner of Police Hameed tweeted on Thursday afternoon that he had just finished a good virtual meeting of the joint investigation supervisory group for the MMPRC case.

“Decisions made to line up more resources and adopt a more aggressive approach,” he announced.

The police have previously announced that seven incumbent government officials, 16 parliamentarians and six sitting judges were believed to have received funds embezzled from MMPRC.

Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem had expressed displeasure over the lag in the investigation in statement in February. He said the investigation needed to be closed as soon as possible if charges were to be pressed.

The Prosecutor General’s Office recently formulated a guideline for investigation of serious offenses for the police in a bid to strengthen the criminal justice system. The police have been instructed to share information on the direction of investigations, reasons for lack of sufficient evidence, and any aspect of the investigation which may affect the judgement.