Ismail Sajid, head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) at the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), was suspended two days ago, according to media reports. No information has been released on the reason for the suspension or how long it will last. The MMA has not commented.
Sajid was appointed on 3 August, replacing Abdulla Ashraf as part of a restructuring at the MMA. Ashraf was removed less than 24 hours after an FIU report was leaked alleging corruption and unjust enrichment by MP Ibrahim Shujau, a close associate of President Mohamed Muizzu.
The FIU, established under the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act, monitors financial transactions for links to crime and works with relevant agencies to prevent money laundering.