In a police statement released tonight, authorities disclosed that several Maldives Immigration employees are under investigation for allegedly misusing their official positions to extract money from foreign workers. The investigation revealed that these employees, operating outside their designated Task Force and Risk Management Section, conducted unauthorized searches of residences housing foreign workers, detaining individuals and seizing substantial sums of cash. One notable incident involved a foreign national found with MVR 530,000 during a raid; this individual was released from detention the following day under orders from then-Controller General Mohamed Sham’aan Waheed. Subsequent investigations revealed that Immigration officers involved in the raid later met the released foreigner, seized the money, and proceeded to Sham’aan’s residence with the cash.
In response to these findings, police have acted swiftly. Under court orders, five individuals have been searched, and their electronic devices confiscated for further examination. Additionally, a search of Sham’aan’s residence led to the seizure of a significant amount of cash and electronic equipment. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.
In light of these allegations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu dismissed Sham’aan from his position on Thursday night, reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and commitment to eradicating misconduct within government institutions. Sham’aan had been appointed as Controller General of Immigration on November 19, 2023, shortly after President Muizzu took office. His tenure was marked by a crackdown on illegal immigration, with reports indicating that 5,000 illegal expatriates were deported under his leadership.
Following Sham’aan’s dismissal, former Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh has been appointed 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 is ongoing, with authorities committed to rooting out corruption within state institutions and ensuring justice is served.
