Ahmed Shamaan Waheed, former Controller of Maldives Immigration, has been formally charged with multiple serious offences, including abuse of official position, money laundering, and involvement in robbery. The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed the charges have been filed in court.

If found guilty, Shamaan faces up to 20 years in prison. The individual charges carry varying maximum sentences: abuse of official position – one year, seven months, and six days; robbery – three years, two months, and two days; and money laundering – five to fifteen years, with the possibility of a substantial fine.

The charges stem from a controversial operation conducted on March 12, 2025, in Maafannu, targeting migrant workers living without proper documentation. Police stated that the three employees who led the raid were not authorised members of the official task force and carried out the operation with Shaaman’s knowledge.

Investigations revealed that after the operation, a significant amount of cash was seized from one of the employees. A forged letter claiming to be from the migrant's sponsor was submitted to authorities, and shortly afterwards, Shaaman instructed the migrant’s release. The foreign national was handed back the seized cash in a cold bag, which was later allegedly delivered to Shaaman’s residence by the involved employees.

Six other individuals have also been charged in connection with the case. Police reports indicate multiple procedural violations, forged documents, and unauthorised actions linked to the operation.