Maumoon summoned to ACC for questioning in corruption during his presidency

Former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been summoned by Anti-Corruption Commission for questioning in its investigation of issues of corruption noted in Auditor General’s report on the management of the former presidential palace – Theemuge – during Maumoon’s presidency.

President of ACC, Hassan Luthufy spoke to “Sun” on Tuesday and said that the investigation into the case had been previously started by the Commission in collaboration with police, and that they had questioned and taken statements from multiple individuals.

He said that there were still people who needed to be questioned, including Maumoon.

“President Maumoon needs to be questioned in that case. We will therefore carryout the questioning,” said Luthufy.

He did not say why the investigation had dragged on without being wrapped up.

The audit report, pointing out corruption, was released back in 2009 by former Auditor General Ibrahim Naeem.

Naeem said in the report that Maumoon been involved in corruption during his presidency, had embezzled state funds, and had broken the trust of the people.

He said that Maumoon had spent money from state budget for personal expenses as well as that of family and friends.

He recommended for criminal proceedings to be initiated against Maumoon.