It has come to light that the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) disbursed over MVR 17 million to a private firm under the guise of purchasing a crane during the parliamentary elections.

Certain informants acquainted with the deal informed Adhadhu that the corruption occurred in March 2024.

Funds were allocated for acquiring a crane for the MPL port in Hulhumale'. The contract was executed with a Chinese firm. Nonetheless, sources informed Adhadhu that Bizasia Pvt Ltd, acting as the local representative for the Chinese firm, managed all the dealings.

"All of this involved local agents." "A source mentioned they received payment."

The crane's overall cost is projected to be MVR 19 million. MPL disbursed 90 percent (MVR 17 million) of the amount to the local representative.

"This misconduct was revealed with the arrival of the new CEO Rishwan." A source indicated, "They are treating this as a serious issue."

Upon being contacted, a representative from Bizasia acknowledged that it served as the local agent for the Chinese firm but declined to share additional information.

PNC received funding from Fenaka for the 2024 parliamentary elections.

On April 17, 2024, just three days prior to the parliamentary elections, Kengo obtained MVR 2,466,955 from Fenaka. The funds were transferred through online banking around 2:00 am and were promptly moved to different accounts upon arrival.

A recent report from the central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) disclosed that funds from state utility company Fenaka were utilized for the campaign of candidates from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

The Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) covers the period from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. During the period, Fenaka issued MVR 37 million to Kengo Private Limited under 47 transactions.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) also issued millions of dollars to Chinese companies as advance payments for projects during the parliamentary election campaign.

However, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Auditor General have not said whether they have taken any action.