Malé, August 4: The Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed it is investigating Ibrahim Shujau, a senior lawmaker from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), over suspicious transactions totaling MVR 42.5 million (approx. USD 2.75 million).
The probe follows the leak of a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report that raises serious questions about corruption, misuse of authority, and possible money laundering related to the 2023 presidential inauguration.
The report, leaked on Saturday by anonymous X account ‘Hassan Kurusee’, outlines a series of financial transactions tied to Shujau—MP for Baarah—and three companies linked to him, including Official Events, which allegedly received a large share of a government contract.
FIU Flags Suspicious Financial Links
According to the FIU analysis, between November 1, 2023 and January 10, 2024, Official Events received MVR 13 million out of a MVR 23 million inauguration contract initially awarded to the Sifainge Welfare Corporation (SIWEC). The project was then subcontracted to:
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MVR 13 million to Official Events
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MVR 4 million to DG Holdings
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MVR 2.3 million to Quick Sure, owned by Shujau’s cousin
The FIU report claims that Shujau and his business partner used MVR 8 million from the Official Events payment to purchase two luxury apartments in Hulhumalé.
Shujau allegedly played a direct role in the event planning process during the presidential transition, attending meetings with SIWEC and the Parliament Secretariat—raising concerns over potential conflict of interest and abuse of power.
The same companies reportedly received additional event contracts from government agencies and state-owned enterprises after the PNC took office. Quick Sure, for instance, was paid MVR 10 million by the Malé City Council between 2022 and 2023, when Shujau was a council member and President Mohamed Muizzu served as Mayor.
Official Reaction and Political Fallout
The ACC told reporters it had already opened an investigation last year, independent of the FIU leak. Police confirmed a parallel investigation was launched in April. However, Shujau claims he has not received any formal communication from authorities regarding the matter.
In response to the public uproar, the PNC removed Shujau from the powerful Public Accounts Committee—responsible for financial oversight—and reassigned him to the National Development and Heritage Committee. No official explanation was given.
Meanwhile, leadership changes have taken place at the FIU. Its head, Abdulla Ashraf, was abruptly reassigned to the central bank’s Risk and Compliance Unit. He was replaced by Ismail Sajid. The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) denied the reshuffle was linked to the leak, describing it as a routine change aimed at “efficiency.”
Shujau has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Official Events is a legitimate company with a long track record of organizing government functions under multiple administrations.
But the FIU report paints a different picture—suggesting that Shujau may have used corporate vehicles to funnel public funds for personal gain. It warns that the transactions show signs of layering and obfuscation typical of illicit financial flows, and recommends deeper investigation.