ACC Involves Police in Probe, Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) Denies Wrongdoing
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a stern warning against the destruction, alteration, or concealment of state documents during the transitional period, declaring that such activities impede ongoing investigations. This announcement follows a viral social media video depicting Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) employees allegedly destroying company documents.
In a statement released on Monday, the ACC revealed that it had been receiving complaints concerning the destruction of documents across various state agencies and government-owned companies during this critical phase. Subsequently, the ACC has ordered an immediate halt to such practices and urges members of the public to come forward with any relevant information.
Considering that altering or destroying state documents is an offence under the law, the ACC has escalated the matter to the police. The commission has also reached out to the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB) to ensure that government agencies and state-owned enterprises desist from such activities.
In defence, FSM issued a statement refuting the allegations triggered by the viral video. According to the company, the documents destroyed were obsolete and had been stored for an extended period. FSM argues that the video circulating on social media aims to create a negative perception of the company among its customers.
The video, which was captured by FSM technician Ahmed Anees and later publicised by a friend, has generated considerable social media buzz. Many are questioning why such a large volume of documents needed to be destroyed if the company was operating within the bounds of the law.
Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb has also weighed in on the matter, stating that the destruction of these documents, especially during a transitional period, is highly inadvisable. Labeeb emphasised that such documents should remain accessible for future administrations, whether for auditing, investigation, or company development purposes.
These concerns were highlighted during a parliamentary debate initiated by Imthiyaz Fahmy, North Maafannu MP, who accused the current government of exerting undue influence over elections.