Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed
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Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed | |
|---|---|
ޔޫސުފް މާނިއު މުހައްމަދު | |
 Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Commissioner General of Customs | |
| In office 20 November 2023 – 22 July 2024 | |
| President | Mohamed Muizzu |
| Preceded by | Abdulla Shareef |
| Succeeded by | Fathimath Dhiyana |
| President of the National Integrity Commission | |
| In office 20 December 2016 – 23 November 2017 | |
| President | Abdulla Yameen |
| Preceded by | Mohamed Faruhad |
| Succeeded by | Ahmed Jihaad |
| President of the Customs Integrity Commission | |
| In office 30 December 2013 – 20 December 2016 | |
| President | Abdulla Yameen |
| Preceded by | Position created |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 March 1978 |
| Relations | Maryam Mariya (sister) |
| Alma mater | Northumbria University Federation University Australia |
| Occupation | Politician |
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed (Dhivehi: ޔޫސުފް މާނިއު މުހައްމަދު: born 16 March 1978) is a Maldivian public figure, recognised for his influential roles in governance, public service, and political leadership. He served as the Commissioner General of Maldives Customs[1] and as the president of the National Integrity Commission (NIC),[2] where he played a key role in advancing integrity and transparency within the public sector. His work in these positions earned him widespread recognition for promoting governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Maldives.[3]
Maaniu's outspoken criticisms of the police and his push for transparency made him a polarising figure at NIC. While some saw his actions as a necessary step toward accountability and reform, others viewed them as a direct challenge to the police force and the government.[4] His stance, particularly against senior police officials, was believed to have contributed to tensions within the NIC and the wider political environment.[5][6]
After his tenure as the Customs Commissioner, Yoosuf was appointed as the State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.[7] However, he resigned from this position with immediate effect shortly after assuming the role.[8][9][10][11]
Maaniu was born in Malé to Mohamed Yoosuf.[12] His sister is Maryam Mariya.[12]
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in general management from Federation University Australia (2007–2009) and a bachelor's in marketing from Northumbria University (2000-2003). His early education was at Wycherley International School, where he completed his GCE ‘O’ Levels, and Belvoir College International for his primary and middle school years.[13]
Yoosuf began his professional career as a planner for civil works at Maldives Ports Limited (1996–1997). He then worked as a financial consultant at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2000–2003) in the United States and Malaysia, focusing on customer acquisition and financial analysis. From 2003 to 2006, he served as manager of administration and human resources at Horizon Fisheries Pvt. Ltd., overseeing a workforce of over 400 staff.[citation needed]
In 2007, he held the role of Head of Job Center at the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, where he managed employment services. Later, he became the chief executive officer of Sifainge Co-operative within the Maldives National Defence Force (2009-2010), where he led the cooperative's operations and developed strategies for resource management and welfare improvements. Maaniu's career spans both public service and the private sector.[citation needed]
President of the National Integrity Commission (NIC)
Yoosuf Maaniu was appointed to the National Integrity Commission (NIC)[14] of the Maldives in October 2015. Shortly after his appointment, he was elected as the president of the commission. Under his leadership, the NIC focused on overseeing the activities of key government agencies, including the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives Customs Service, the Maldives Correctional Service, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Maaniu's role was to ensure these agencies adhered to legal standards and operated with transparency and integrity.[14]
Maaniu's achievements include his advocacy for accountability within public institutions. However, his tenure was marred by controversy and conflict, particularly with the Maldives Police Service.[15] In 2016, Maaniu publicly accused the police of obstructing the NIC's investigations, claiming that several cases related to police misconduct had stalled due to a lack of cooperation from law enforcement. He warned that the police would “face the full legal power of the NIC” if they continued to block the commission's efforts. This confrontation with the police became a key point of contention during his presidency and drew considerable media attention[16][17]
In 2017, Maaniu was dismissed from his position as president of the NIC by then-President Abdulla Yameen.[18] His removal was a direct result of his allegations against senior police officials and his efforts to hold them accountable.[19] The dismissal sparked widespread debate and raised concerns about political interference in independent institutions, especially in a country where such bodies were intended to operate without government influence.[20]
