Vision

An integrous society free from corruption

Mission

  1. To take impartial legal action against all perpetrators of corruption
  2. To ensure an administrative system that is free from corruption risks
  3. To protect rights of citizens infringed due to corruption
  4. To collaborate in corruption prevention efforts
  5. To foster integrity in society

Introduction

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is the first modern form of democratic institution with the major functions to prevent and prohibit corruption within the public sector of the Maldives. The ACC was established on 16 October 2008. Prior to 2008, the function of corruption control was mandated to the Anti-Corruption Board (ACB)—a government agency established by Presidential decree on 21 April 1991.

The first act of legislation formulated to combat corruption in the Maldives is ‘Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act (PPCA) 2/2000’ of 31 August 2000. It prescribes legal provisions and guidelines for state institutions to prevent and prohibit acts of corruption in public offices. Later, the democratic process lead to the ratification of the 2008 Constitution, under which an ‘Anti-Corruption Commission Act (ACCA) 13/2008’ was enacted on 24th September 2008. The ACCA mandated the establishment of the Commission as an independent statutory institution and governed the duties and responsibilities of the Commission.

Appointment of Members

ACC consists of five Commission Members, appointed by the President of the Maldives with approval of the Peoples Majilis (Parliament). The president and vice president of the Commission is selected by members of the Commission. Term of members is five years with the possibility of renewal for another term, with approval of the Parliament. The President of the Commission is the primary head of the institution responsible for oversight and delegation of tasks to Commission Members, Secretary General and staff. The Commission is accountable to the Parliament and President, through submission of annual reports, and annual audited financial statements.

Legal Mandate

The Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives (ACC) is an independent legal entity formed under the 2008 Constitution. ACC was established on 16th October 2008 with the ratification of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 13/2008 (ACC Act). Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act of 2/2000 defines and criminalizes corruption (PPCA 2/2000).

The mandate of the Commission is to promote integrity, prevent and combat corruption in all arms of the state. The following are the responsibilities of the Commission, as stipulated in the Anti- Corruption Commission Act.

  1. To inquire into investigate all allegations of corruption; any complaints, information, or suspicion of corruption must be investigated.
  2. To recommend further inquiries and investigations by other investigatory bodies, and to recommend prosecution of alleged offenses to the Prosecutor General, where warranted.
  3. To carry out research on the prevention of corruption and to submit recommendations for improvement to relevant authorities regarding actions to be taken.
  4. To promote the values of honesty and integrity in the operations of the state, and to promote public awareness of the dangers of corruption.
  5. To conduct seminars, workshops and other programs on prevention and prohibition of corruption to further public awareness, to carry out researches and to publish them.
  6. To carry out everything necessary to undertake the responsibilities of the Commission.
  7. To implement Act No. 2/2000 (Law on Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption) and to formulate regulations under that Act.

General Administration

President, Vice President and Members wages are decided by Peoples Majilis. Salary structure of the staff are approved by the Minister of Finance. Secretary General is responsible for the oversight of general administration and is responsible for daily operation and implement rules, regulations and policies approved by the Commission Members.

The Commission has recently reviewed its organizational structure in 2020 that divides the functions of the Commission into four key departments and Commissions Bureau:

  • Support Services Department
  • Investigation Department
  • Prevention Department
  • Legal Department

Anti-Corruption Commission’s office is located in H. Sakeenaa Manzil and the reception is at 3-rd floor of the building. For broader outreach, the Commission has its branch in Ismail Kaleyfaanu Thuththu Building, Addu City Hithadhoo named as Southern Regional Office (SRO). SRO is aimed to serve Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaal, Gnaviyani and Addu City.