Finance Minister: This is just the beginning

Minister of Finance, Ahmed Munawwar has said that massive amount of State funds had been used incongruously, and that the Ministry of Finance had taken the first step to recover the money.

Ministry of Finance, on Thursday, issued a statement naming seven former State officials who allegedly skimmed State funds according to audit reports, giving them a seven-day ultimatum to return the money.

They are:

• Former Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed

• Former State Minister of Islamic Affairs, Al-Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Ahmed

• Former Minister of Home Affairs, current Male’ City Mayor Mohamed Shihab

• Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Naseem

• Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed

• Former Commissioner General of Customs, Mohamed Aswaan

• Former Housing Minister, Mohamed Aslam

Minister of Finance, Munawwar spoke to “Sun” on Sunday and said that this was just the beginning as the Ministry works to account for and get back all the money skimmed from State funds using corruption.

Media official for the Ministry noted that it was the responsibility of the institution to get back any money skimmed from State funds, and that they would order individuals to return back the money, irrespective of the administration during which the alleged offense may have taken place.

Audit reports have noted corruption by State officials both during the current and former administrations.

Ministry of Finance has warned legal action against individuals who do not return back the money within the seven-day period given.