The Prosecutor General's Office has accepted a case submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking criminal charges against former members of the Hoarafushi Council over the alleged unlawful lease of land for a fuel business.

The ACC said the case concerns the lease of a 5,000-square-foot plot of land in Haa Alifu Hoarafushi to Hawks Private Limited, one of the country's largest fuel companies, in alleged violation of applicable regulations.

The Commission has requested charges against former Hoarafushi Council President Mohamed Waheed, former Vice President Ahmed Imdhaad, and former council members Ibrahim Shakir, Ahmed Raoof, Maryam Wakeela, Aiminath Wisam and Aminath Naseeha.

The ACC stated that the individuals are alleged to have misused their official positions to unlawfully benefit another party, in violation of Section 513(b) of the Penal Code. The Commission has also sought charges for acting in a manner that deprived the State of a financial benefit to which it was entitled.

The Prosecutor General's Office has accepted the case for further legal proceedings.