The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into an alleged payroll fraud scheme in which salaries were reportedly collected under a teacher’s name for five years.

According to information available, the case involves a school in the Malé area. The alleged scheme is said to have begun in 2021 and involved three school employees.

The case has already led the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to decide on the dismissal of three staff members: the school’s administrator, human resources manager, and budget officer.

ACC confirmed that it is investigating the matter but has not released further details.

Authorities suspect that after a foreign employee left the job and departed the Maldives, another person’s name was added to the payroll. The salary was then allegedly withdrawn and transferred to various accounts linked to individuals connected to the budget officer.

The suspected fraud is believed to have continued for five years, with approximately MVR 1.5 million allegedly paid out as salary under the former foreign employee’s position.