The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced that the newly established Maldives National Anti-Corruption Academy (MNACA) will begin its first training programmes by the end of January next year, marking a major step in strengthening the country’s anti-corruption capacity.

Speaking at the Anti-Corruption Day ceremony, ACC President Uz Adam Shamil said the academy now has sufficient staff and will initially offer MQA-recognised Certificate Level 4 and Diploma programmes, developed in partnership with the Malaysia and Hong Kong Anti-Corruption Academies, with plans to expand up to Master’s level.

Uz Shamil revealed that the State has lost MVR 1.6 billion (USD 103.8 million) in assets and funds to corruption over the past 17 years, stressing the urgent need for a dedicated asset recovery law. He confirmed that a draft bill has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office and is expected to be enacted within the coming year.

MNACA, officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, aims to address key challenges in corruption investigation by providing structured education, training, research, and public awareness programmes to strengthen national anti-corruption efforts.