Former Immigration Controller Released From Custody Following Prosecution Request

Former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed was released from custody last Thursday following a request by the prosecution.

Shamaan had been arrested in March and held for nine months over allegations that he accepted MVR 500,000 from an expatriate who was released from immigration detention. He remained in custody pending trial.

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The Criminal Court ordered his release after the prosecution stated that witness testimonies had already been taken and the risk of influencing evidence had been reduced to a reasonable level.

Shamaan was released under conditions, including mandatory court appearances, a ban on leaving the country, and a prohibition on influencing evidence.

The prosecution also requested that he be prohibited from committing further offences, but Judge Ibrahim Ihusan noted that refraining from criminal activity is a legal obligation for all individuals and that the court retains authority to take action if any new offence occurs.

Several others have been charged in connection with the case, most of whom have already been released from custody.