MVR 8 million corruption within MPL prompts investigation, suspensions

An investigation has been launched following the discovery of corrupt transactions within Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) worth over MVR 8 million.

MPL’s chairman Mohamed Zaki (Nazaki Zaki) confirmed the case on Wednesday. In a statement on Twitter, Zaki said the corruption took place in transactions linked with the fuel trade, and is valued at over MVR 8 million.

He also stated that efforts to the company’s Board failed to support efforts to suspend employees suspected of involvement in the corruption.

MPL issued a separate statement regarding the case on Thursday.

MPL said they found some of the transactions conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown involved corruption, prompting an internal audit.

“We note that an investigation has been launched, given the identification of more transactions that require further investigation,” said MPL in the statement.

MPL has suspended employees suspected of involvement in the corruption based on the information collected in their investigation so far, and has requested the police, the Auditor General’s Office, and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigations.

While MPL did not specify the number of employees suspended in connection to the case, Sun has been informed that at least three employees have been suspended.

MPL has stated that they consider corruption a serious offense, and take actions against employees involved in corruption to the full extent of laws and regulations.

The company also stated they are taking necessary action to prevent further corruption.