The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to forward the case to the Prosecutor General's (PG) Office to press charges against former Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamed Junaid of M. Reef Villa, in connection with the unlawful procurement of air conditioning units.

The ACC stated today that the decision to forward charges against Junaid relates to MPL's purchase of 18 air conditioning units between 2016 and 2017. The procurement was conducted without public announcement and without the approval of the company's Board of Directors, in violation of the procurement strategies and regulations then applicable to state-owned enterprises. Furthermore, the items were purchased from a sole proprietorship lacking relevant experience—which had ties to individuals implicated in the case—at prices exceeding the market rate at the time.

The commission also noted that the items were purchased for over MVR 1 million.

The ACC stated that alongside Junaid, it was decided on the 16th of this month to forward the case to the PG Office to also press charges against Abdul Wahhaab of M. Hillindhagaarden, who served as the Head of the company's Procurement Department at the time.

The ACC stated that the charges proposed for submission include using official status or influence improperly to confer an undue advantage under Section 513(b) of the Penal Code, and acting in a manner contrary to securing a benefit for the state where a benefit was attainable, under Section 13(a) of the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption Act.