Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef has directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to expediate criminal investigations, citing delays that are affecting state and public interests.

The Prosecutor General’s Office issued the directive after receiving complaints about the slow pace of ACC investigations. Concerns were raised over delays in addressing cases involving significant public and state interest, including the recovery of state funds lost to corruption and embezzlement.

The office stressed that such delays undermine public trust and compromise the interests of both the state and its citizens. 

Abbas Shareef invoked his constitutional authority to establish procedures for referring all ACC investigations to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

As part of the directive, ACC has been instructed to devise and implement an immediate procedure to expedite ongoing investigations.

The directive prioritises several high-profile cases, including the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal, allegations of public fund misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial irregularities involving state-owned enterprises. Cases involving public finance, such as those under the Binveriyaa and Gedhoruveriyaa scheme have also been emphasised.

The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the directive aims to strengthen ACC’s investigative framework by ensuring uniformity across agencies and streamlining procedures for greater efficiency. It stressed the importance of immediate implementation, stating that the new measures would establish a systemic approach to investigations, promote consistency, and facilitate early consultation with the Prosecutor General’s Office.