Maldives Police Service has stated that so far, four parties have submitted documents related to the investigation into the Binveriyaa and Gedhoruveriyaa case.

The police began investigating the case on suspicion that plots of land were given out in violation of the scheme rules. Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef has also ordered a criminal investigation into the matter.

In a statement released today, the police said that a total of 16 parties have submitted information to the portal established to gather information for the investigation of the case, and out of those, four parties have shared relevant documents.

The police said that the opportunity to share information through the portal is still open and requested that those wishing to submit information visit https://evidence.police.gov.mv.

"When sharing information and evidence, you can submit without revealing your personal information. Or you can share with contact information in case the investigators need to contact you," the police said.

The police further stated that they assure the confidentiality of those who submit information through the portal will be maintained.

The alleged parties involved in receiving a plot of land outside the rules of the scheme include Ibrahim Fazeel Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of Male' Water and Sewerage Company, who is the elder brother of former HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed.

The housing corruption scandal first surfaced on the 18th of this month. The Housing Ministry had previously determined that Fazeel does not qualify for a plot in Hulhumale under the scheme. However, Fazeel had submitted a request to HDC on June 30 for permission to build a boundary wall, along with what he claimed to be the registration of the plot given to him.

Therefore, HDC had sent the registration to the Housing Ministry to verify its authenticity. In addition to Fazeel, a person named Abdul Majeed Mahir, from in Ha. Dhidhdhoo, had also submitted a request to HDC for permission.

In a letter that HDC reportedly sent to the Housing Ministry regarding this matter, it was noted that requests for permission to build boundary walls for two 1,250 square foot plots given to two individuals had been received. The details of these two parties were also included in the letter.

A letter purported to be the Housing Ministry's response to that letter has also been circulated on social media. Addressed to then HDC Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, the letter from Housing Ministry State Minister Ibrahim Nizam stated that according to the scheme's database, these two parties are not among those who applied for plots under the scheme.

While the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is also investigating the land issue, the ACC has requested and had the passports of 20 people, including Fazul and Fazeel, withheld in connection with the case.

On the 23rd of this month, the police searched Fazul's residence, M. Zeyvar, and took some electronic equipment.

In connection with this case, all board members of HDC except Chairman Ahmed Nasif were suspended. However, with Fazul's resignation and the appointment of a new Managing Director to the company, the suspension of the board members has been lifted. Following Fazul's resignation, Mohamed Mauroof Jameel was appointed as the Managing Director of HDC.

Mauroof had previously served as the Director General of the Hulhumale Development Unit, which was responsible for the development of Hulhumale, during President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's administration, before HDC was established. After HDC was formed, Mauroof held important positions in the company. He briefly held the position of CEO. He has also held important positions at the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC).

In addition, Mauroof served as the Minister of Construction and Public Infrastructure during the last term of President Maumoon's administration.