Former Controller General of Maldives Immigration, Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, has been arrested in connection with a corruption investigation involving immigration employees exploiting foreign workers.

His arrest follows a court order linked to a case in which several immigration staff are accused of raiding the homes of migrant workers and seizing a large sum of money.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS), initiated the investigation after a tip-off revealed that employees from various immigration sections, outside of the task force and risk management unit, had misused their official positions. It is alleged that these employees raided the house of migrant workers, took them into custody, and seized significant amounts of cash.

Further investigation revealed that a foreign worker, detained by immigration authorities on the then Controller General's orders, had MVR 530,000 taken from him. The foreigner was later released from detention in the early hours, and police recovered the seized money from Shamaan’s residence.

As part of the investigation, three immigration employees were arrested and presented before a local court. Two of them were remanded for 10 days, while the third was remanded for three days. Authorities also recovered cash and electronic items from Shamaan’s residence. 

Shamaan, who was dismissed from his post as Controller General of Immigration, is facing serious allegations of corruption and abuse of power.