In today's meeting, the Committee met with representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the commission’s proposed budget for 2026 and gathered information about their budget. It was noted that 78.3% of the Commission's baseline budget for 2026 is allocated for staff salaries and allowances. The Commission highlighted that given limited working space available, they face significant challenges in conducting investigations to fulfill their responsibilities mandated by the Constitution and Article 21 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act. They emphasized that apart from the Maldives Police Service, Anti-Corruption Commission is the main agency conducting criminal investigations in the Maldives. The Commission currently operates in a building where ordinary citizens reside, facing space constraints that hinder their ability to ensure complete security for investigations, for individuals summoned for information gathering, and for strengthening the Commission's overall security measures. Additionally, the Commission mentioned that changes have been implemented in their operational structure to expedite the investigation of cases in 2026. The commission expressed that if their requested budget is approved, it would yield positive results. Due to the lack of necessary investigative resources within the Commission, they often need to seek assistance from the Maldives Police Service, even in cases where allegations are made against the police themselves.

Attendees from Anti-Corruption Commission for the meeting;

1.  Mr. Adam Shameel, President 

2.  Mr. Abdulla Nashid, Vice President 

3.  Mr. Ahmed Nashid, Member

4.  Ms. Shiyama Mohamed, Member

5.  Ms. Shazna Hashim, Member

6.  Ms. Fathimath Nilfa, Secretary General

7.  Ms. Fathimath Aashan, Deputy Director

8.  Ms. Yumna Waheed, Assistant Director