Opposition Challenges Authorities to Conduct Forensic Analysis of Forged Documents

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for a forensic examination of documents allegedly forged under the Binveriyaa housing scheme and urged authorities to make the findings public.

This demand follows a police statement on Thursday implicating officials from the previous administration in issuing fraudulent documents to six individuals, who used them to falsely claim ownership of land plots in Hulhumalé. According to the police, all six suspects questioned claimed the documents originated during the previous administration.

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Ahmed Mauroof, a former senior legal officer at the President’s Office under Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s government, criticised the police for publicising unverified allegations. At a press conference today, Mauroof expressed concerns over the lack of forensic scrutiny.

“We are talking about a document. Yet, police have not conducted a forensic analysis,” Mauroof said. “Modern practices involve authenticating documents to establish facts, and the Maldives Police Service boasts one of the most advanced forensic laboratories in the region. A forensic analysis could determine the age of the paper, when the ink was applied, and verify handwriting. Such an analysis could be completed within hours.”

Mauroof accused the police of prioritising political narratives over investigative accuracy. “Instead of conducting a forensic analysis, the police made politically charged statements. If they analyse the document and publicise the findings, it would expose the falsity of their claims and the government’s propaganda,” he alleged.

He further claimed, “We are confident a forensic analysis would reveal that the document was fabricated by officials of this administration to unlawfully acquire land plots in Hulhumalé.”

Allegations of Political Influence

At the press conference, MDP spokesperson Anas Abdul Sattar and former State Minister Akram Kamaluddin echoed Mauroof’s concerns, accusing the police of acting under political influence and criticising their professional conduct.

Mauroof questioned the police’s impartiality, stating, “We believe they were politically influenced to make sudden public comments that night.The way this case has been handled raises doubts about the police’s ability to conduct a fair investigation.”

He also noted that while allegations against Akram Kamaluddin were highlighted in the police briefing, Akram had not been questioned. “If Akram were questioned, would his responses also have been shared publicly? This conduct suggests the police have taken a political side,” Mauroof said.

Warnings Against Politicisation

Mauroof expressed disappointment over the politicisation of the police, saying MDP is reluctant to criticise and politically address security forces.

“Up until now, we have not politically addressed the police or the army. In recent events, with the fire incident and other incidents, we have refrained from speaking against security forces, especially the police. But at some point, when they come out politically and get involved in the political game, we will respond and we have to talk about them as politically motivated,” Mauroof warned..