The Maldives Police Service has submitted a case to the Prosecutor General’s Office, seeking the prosecution of former Controller of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed along with four former immigration officers on charges related to corruption.

The allegations stem from an incident on 12 March, when immigration authorities carried out an operation in Maafannu targeting undocumented migrant workers. One of the foreign nationals detained during the operation was later released under questionable circumstances, according to findings from the police investigation.

Evidence gathered suggests that the release occurred without due process, and that money collected from the individual was subsequently delivered to Shamaan’s residence by a fellow immigration officer.

Following a court-authorised search, law enforcement recovered MVR 257,475, USD 10,000, and additional foreign currency from the home. The financial evidence has prompted serious concerns regarding abuse of official authority and potential bribery.

Shamaan was dismissed from his post shortly after the allegations came to light. The Prosecutor General’s Office has confirmed receipt of the case and is expected to make a decision on whether to pursue charges within 15 days.