Shamaan remains in detention as evidence phase progresses

Criminal Court has today decided to maintain the detention of former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, who detained pending the conclusion of his trial.

Despite a request for a detention review, the presiding judge ruled that Shamaan cannot be released at this stage. 

However, the prosecution indicated during the hearing that they would not object to his release once the witness testimony phase of the trial is completed.

Shamaan was removed from his post and arrested in March 2024 following allegations of colluding with other immigration officials to extort MVR 500,000 from a foreign national who was previously held in immigration custody before releasing him.

The prosecution has charged him with money laundering, bribery, and extortion. The trial is currently in the stage of collecting witness testimony, with several individuals having already provided their statements to the court.

Shamaan's defense has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated, though the court continues to uphold his remand based on the gravity of the accusations and the ongoing nature of the evidence collection.

The case involves multiple defendants, including immigration staff. One of the accused employees previously pleaded guilty under a plea agreement with the state and was sentenced to two months in prison.

Having served that term, the employee has since been released, while the proceedings for Shamaan and the remaining defendants continue. 

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