In a significant development, former Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, has been arrested under a court order as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption within the Maldives Immigration Department. Police suspect that Shamaan misused his official position to obtain money from a foreign national following their release from immigration detention.
The Maldives Police Service confirmed that Shamaan was taken into custody shortly after being summoned for questioning. This arrest follows a series of events that began with his dismissal from the role on Thursday night, amid allegations of misconduct. Subsequently, police raided a residence in Malé linked to the investigation, leading to the detention of three individuals.
Shamaan’s tenure as Controller General, which began on November 19, 2023, was marked by a crackdown on illegal immigration—a longstanding issue in the Maldives. His sudden dismissal and subsequent arrest have raised concerns about integrity within state institutions.
In response to these developments, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu appointed former Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Faseeh, as the new Controller General of Immigration. Faseeh, who served as Commissioner during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration, brings over two decades of law enforcement experience to the role.
The investigation into the alleged corruption within the Immigration Department is ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring accountability and transparency. Further details are expected to be released as the probe progresses.
