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Graft watchdog denies Youth Minister's implication in tourism graft

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that they are no investigating any corruption cases linked to Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof.

The much awaited report into the Maldives Media and PR Corporation (MMPRC) scandal, had revealed that over USD79 million had been embezzled through the state tourism promotion company. The funds received by MMPRC were distributed through a private company called SOF Private Limited with strong links to the now jailed former vice president Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor. The recently publicized report named individuals and companies with whom SOF Pvt Ltd had conducted business with.

The report named Mahloof as a recipient of USD 33,000, which was claimed by Mahloof as a foreign currency exchange transaction. The bill provided by SOF Pvt Ltd to Mahloof was publicized to support his claim.

With the new revelation, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had asked Minister Mahloof to stay at home without reporting to official duty until the ACC looks into the matter and makes a conclusion regarding Mahloof's involvement.

It has been confirmed by AVAS that the ACC never had an active investigation looking into Mahloof thus far, and has informed accordingly to the minister in response to Mahloof's inquiry regarding the status of his investigation dated 12th March.

In addition to Mahloof, current State Mister of Planning Ministry Akram Kamaluddin and Chairman of utility company, Ahmed Mausoom were asked to remain at home due to their names being featured in the MMPRC report. ACC has now shared their concerns regarding the two individuals in connection to the MMPRC scandal with the President's Office.