The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has denied allegations that the Government orchestrated the arrest of former Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Shamaan Waheed.

The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged extortion involving foreign nationals.

Speaking before members of Parliament following several days of heightened public and political scrutiny, Minister Ihusaan addressed a series of inquiries raised by lawmakers, particularly from the opposition who alleged that Shamaan had been unfairly targeted and framed.

In response, the Minister firmly rejected these accusations, emphasising that the Government does not interfere with the independent operations of law enforcement agencies. He stressed that any legal action against individuals would follow due process, irrespective of the individual's social standing or political alignment.

Minister Ihusaan stated that the Government does not differentiate between individuals based on status or position, and reiterated that all persons are treated equally before the law. He added that in the event of any legal violations, the appropriate judicial procedures would be pursued.

The Minister further reiterated the Government’s commitment to fair and lawful investigations, noting that the Maldives Police Service would continue to exercise its full legal authority to investigate criminal allegations where applicable. He assured Parliament and the wider public that the Government does not engage in framing individuals and reaffirmed that all suspects would receive the legal protections guaranteed under Maldivian law.

He also conveyed reassurance to both the public and Shamaan’s family, stating that no one was being framed in connection with the case and that all constitutional rights and safeguards would be upheld.

The case involving Shamaan Waheed originated from claims that certain Immigration Department personnel misused their official capacity to unlawfully search a residence inhabited by migrant workers. Police reports allege that those involved, who were tasked with the identification and detention of undocumented immigrants, conducted the operation without proper authorisation, during which they seized a significant sum of money and detained several foreign nationals.

Authorities reported that one of the detainees was found in possession of MVR 530,000 at the time of arrest. The individual was reportedly released the following day.

In a subsequent search conducted at Shamaan’s private residence, police recovered MVR 257,475, USD 10,000, some foreign currency, and several electronic devices. Shamaan was remanded in custody pending further judicial proceedings, and his legal counsel has since appealed the remand order before the High Court.