Assistant prisons chief suspended amid financial misconduct
The Maldives Correctional Service confirmed that Asif was temporarily suspended from duty as of November 7.
Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Asif has been suspended from his role in the Maldives Correctional Service amid an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving the Prisons Club account.
Reports of deposits totalling more than MVR 200,000 surfaced in July, with some staff members alleging that Asif, who serves as president of the club, is involved in the suspected misconduct.
The Maldives Correctional Service confirmed that Asif was temporarily suspended from duty as of November 7.
According to a notice issued to staff, “Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Asif is prohibited from entering any building of this service without permission from the Human Resource Section.”
The notice also instructed staff to report to HR if Asif attempted to enter any restricted areas in violation of the suspension.
Documents and information related to the Prisons Club financial matter were reportedly obtained by Atoll Times from reliable sources. In August, a petition signed by 35 officers was submitted to Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer, requesting action on the matter. In response, Zareer indicated that an investigation was underway.
Asif is reported to have deposited MVR 70,000 into the Prisons Club account in two separate transactions. However, the origins of the funds remain unclear. Some employees have expressed concern over the pace of the investigation, citing delays in addressing the case.
