The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has executed a raid on the Police Cooperative Society (POLCO) office at Iskandharu Koshi, acting under a Criminal Court order, to investigate alleged corruption in the construction of police housing units. A police media representative confirmed the ACC’s active investigation into the matter.
This development follows a recent audit report by the Auditor General’s Office, which identified significant issues within the “Blues Housing” project—which was intended to provide housing for police personnel. The audit revealed that, despite an expenditure exceeding MVR 1 billion, the project suffered a loss of MVR 355 million. The report highlighted multiple instances where agreements with contractors were significantly altered, and payments were made under various pretexts rather than for completed work, suggesting potential undue benefits to certain individuals or contractors.
The Auditor General’s Office has recommended that all involved parties be referred to the ACC and other relevant investigative bodies, emphasizing the need for accountability among POLCO’s board members and senior officials who failed to oversee and address these issues during the project’s execution.
Initiated in 2013, the police housing project was first awarded to Noomadi, operating under a contractor-finance model. However, due to political challenges and financial difficulties, the agreement with Noomadi was terminated in January 2016. The project was subsequently handed over to Island Experts, but progress was hindered when the company faced bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to another termination. Amin Construction later assumed responsibility, with the completion date extended beyond the initial 2022 deadline. As of last year, 361 three-bedroom flats from this project have been occupied by police officers.
The ACC’s investigation aims to uncover any corrupt practices that contributed to the project’s financial losses and delays, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public sector projects.
