Passports of 20 individuals, including Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed and Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, have been seized in connection with the Binveriya scheme land case.

This action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent activities related to the allocation of land under the Binveriya Scheme. The police have not issued a public statement, but it has been confirmed that several HDC officials are among those affected. The investigation began after it was revealed that land plots were being allocated to individuals not registered under the scheme.

HDC board members, except Chairman Ahmed Nasif, have been suspended, including MD Fazul Rasheed. MWSC has removed its DMD, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, from his duties following the incident.

The investigation focuses on allegations of forgery, initiated after a tip-off. Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef has directed the police and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to conduct a criminal inquiry. Earlier, the Ministry of Housing ruled that Fa Fazeel zil Rasheed was ineligible for a plot under the Binveriya Scheme. Despite this, Fazeel submitted documents to HDC in June, claiming ownership of land and seeking permission to construct a boundary wall. HDC forwarded the documents to the Housing Ministry for verification, uncovering irregularities.

A letter purportedly from the Housing Ministry has circulated on social media, stating that the two individuals who applied for land did not qualify under the scheme. This letter, addressed to HDC MD Fazul Rasheed, has fueled public concerns about transparency in the scheme.