The Maldives Police Service has rejected allegations made by former Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed regarding the investigation into a corruption and money laundering case involving immigration officials.

In a statement, police said the investigation was conducted in accordance with the law and established procedures. The case involves allegations that Shamaan and several immigration employees abused their positions to obtain financial benefits from foreign nationals and launder the proceeds.

Police said the investigation began on 21 March 2025 and that information on the case was shared with the media throughout the process, including during a press briefing held on 13 May 2025.

According to investigators, evidence showed that Shamaan was aware of discussions and decisions related to an immigration operation carried out on 11 March 2025 from its planning stage. Police said discussions concerning the operation had taken place in his office about a week before it was conducted.

The investigation further found that after a foreign national was taken into immigration custody, procedures were initiated for the individual's release. Police alleged that Shamaan instructed staff to treat a sponsor's request for release as an urgent matter after receiving an email submitted in the sponsor's name.

According to police, two immigration officers later transported the foreign national in an immigration vehicle and discussed compensation for the release. Investigators alleged that the foreign national subsequently contacted Shamaan to confirm the amount, which was agreed at MVR 500,000.

Police also stated that the investigation found the two officers visited Shamaan's residence carrying a bag believed to contain money and left without it shortly afterwards. Investigators further noted that MVR 259,837 was deposited into two Bank of Maldives accounts held by Shamaan on 13 March 2025.

The police statement rejected claims that the investigation was conducted to reach a predetermined outcome or that witnesses were influenced to provide specific statements. Police said all findings were based on available evidence and reached within the framework of relevant laws and procedures.

The service also said Shamaan did not provide the passcode required to access a mobile phone seized during the investigation.

Responding to claims made by Shamaan on 9 June that the phone contained evidence of corruption, police said no such information had been provided to investigators during the investigation and that they were unaware of any formal submission of the alleged evidence to any institution authorised to investigate corruption cases.

Police reiterated that all criminal investigations are conducted impartially and in accordance with the law, adding that any allegation supported by sufficient evidence would be investigated through the proper legal process.

The statement noted that the case was forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office following the completion of the investigation and that the Criminal Court has since delivered a verdict based on evidence presented during judicial proceedings.

Police also stressed their respect for the independence of the judiciary and noted that parties dissatisfied with court decisions have the right to pursue legal remedies through the appeals process.