Maldives graft watchdog, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has ordered Transport Ministry to take action is a case where a senior ministry official is suspected of having misused his power of authority.
Head of admin section of Transport Authority, Deputy Director Hassan Shareef is now being investigated by ACC.
An official from ACC revealed to AVAS that Shareef is being investigated as it is believed that he claimed overtime payments unethically. Shareef claimed overtime which was usually equal to his monthly salary every month, it is believed.
Since Shareef is the employee tasked with preparing salary sheets and authorizing it, ACC said his actions showcase negligence in performing his duties and the misuse of authority, and has requested the ministry to take action against Shareef appropriately. However, the course of action recommended by ACC was not disclosed although it has been reported that Shareef has been asked to deposit the overtime payments back State account.
AVAS has been unable to obtain a comment from Shareef regarding the case.
Previously known as the Transport Authority, several corruption allegations have been made against the ministry. After Aishath Nahula, the new cabinet minister of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government took over management of the Transport Ministry, she pledged to take action against those involved in such cases. Several suspicious cases have been presented by the minister to ACC for thorough investigation.
President Ibrahim Mohamed SOlih has pledged a zero tolerance policy against corruption.
Photo: Vaguthu
