Maldives President Muizzu Faces Corruption Allegations from Leaked Reports: Opposition Demands Investigation and Impeachment
The Maldives is holding parliamentary elections on Sunday, but the atmosphere is tense due to corruption allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
The opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has demanded an investigation and impeachment based on a leaked report from 2018 accusing Muizzu of corruption.
Muizzu, however, has dismissed these charges.
The election process is being affected by these accusations and counter-accusations between the MDP and Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC).
An anonymous social media handle named 'Hassan Kurusee' released leaked intelligence reports on Monday, accusing Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, also known as President Muizzu, of corruption.
The reports, which are believed to be from 2018, were prepared by the Financial Unit of the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Maldives Police Service.
The documents suggest irregularities in money transfers to President Muizzu's personal bank account, with ten red flag indicators of financial misconduct.
These indicators include dealings with politically exposed persons, embezzlement, structured transactions, and the use of corporate entities to conceal the origins of the funds.
A political storm arose after allegations were made against Chief Justice Ahmed Muizzu, leading to calls for an investigation from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), People's National Front (PNF), and former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.
He urged for Muizzu's impeachment following leaked intelligence reports.
News outlets were cautious in reporting the situation.