HDC Reverses Firings in Wake of Corruption Scandal

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has reinstated employees dismissed earlier this week due to an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged corruption in awarding land and apartments from Hulhumalé under the ‘Binveriya’ scheme.

Among the rehired were Chief Financial Officer Abdulla Faid and Chief Business Officer and head of media department Ahmed Yameen, who had been terminated alongside at least 13 others on Sunday.

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While HDC has not released an official statement, reliable sources confirmed the decision today.

The controversy arose after leaked documents suggested individuals not listed as eligible recipients had been granted housing. Suspensions were issued on December 19 for Faid, Yameen, Ahmed Aiman (Deputy Director of Real Estate), and Abdulla Shuhood (IT Consultant). Notably implicated were Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), and his brother, Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, then-Managing Director of HDC.

The scandal intensified as protesters gathered at HDC’s headquarters on December 18, prompting Fazul to deny any wrongdoing, dismissing allegations of conflict of interest as “coincidental.” However, subsequent leaks suggested fraudulent use of payment slips to issue apartments to victims of the SeaLife scam. Fazul resigned on December 21, maintaining his innocence but citing the need to ensure an impartial investigation.

Former Construction Minister Mohamed Mauroof Jameel replaced Fazul as the MD, and the suspension of HDC’s board was lifted shortly after. Meanwhile, the police, alongside the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), continue to investigate the allegations. Evidence, including electronic devices, was seized during a raid on Fazul’s residence on Monday.

The scandal has further fuelled public frustration over delays in delivering housing under the ‘Binveriya’ and ‘Gedhoruveriya’ schemes.