The Public Accounts Committee of the Maldives Parliament has sanctioned a criminal investigation into former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and other senior officials over allegations of embezzlement.

This decision follows concerns regarding the settlement committee established during the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration.

The committee is accused of mismanaging state funds and property through compensation agreements that are now deemed invalid.

The investigation also extends to former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and Minister at the President’s Office Ali Shiyam.

The committee found grounds to believe that these individuals acted contrary to their constitutional and legal obligations while holding high-ranking government positions.

A recommendation has been forwarded to the Attorney General to initiate the investigation and prosecute those implicated.

Additionally, the committee has urged the Attorney General and relevant authorities to take legal steps to annul the contentious agreements signed under the compensation rule, citing their invalidity.