Immigration graft: Expats with valid documents arrested
Police stated that the immigration vehicle later arrived at Shamman’s house, where a bag containing a large sum of money was brought inside.
Police on Saturday released details of an investigation into immigration employees accused of using their positions to extort illegal benefits from foreign workers. Authorities raided a residence where foreign nationals were staying and arrested individuals who were found to have valid documents.
Five employees, including former Immigration Controller Shamman Waheed, have been arrested in connection with the case. A significant sum of money was recovered from Shamman’s residence.
According to the police, three immigration officers entered the foreigners’ residence on the night of the 12th of this month. Police stated that Shamman had prior knowledge of the operation.
The police provided the following details:
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The three officers were employed at the Comptroller General’s Bureau, as well as its planning and media departments.
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They initially searched the residence, after which a specialised team was sent back later that night to conduct another search.
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Items recovered from the residence were taken by those involved in the operation.
Seven foreign nationals were arrested, all of whom had valid documents. One of the individuals was detained the following night at the Immigration Office and later released under Shamman’s instructions.
Police further reported that:
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A Maldivian became the foreign worker’s sponsor.
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The Maldivian is a family member of one of the arrested immigration employees.
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The money recovered from the foreign national was placed in a bag and handed over upon release.
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The individual initially left on his sponsor’s motorcycle but was later transferred into a vehicle by immigration officials.
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The vehicle was driven around Male before taking the individual to his residence following unspecified arrangements.
Police stated that the immigration vehicle later arrived at Shamman’s house, where a bag containing a large sum of money was brought inside. A subsequent raid on the residence led to the recovery of MVR 250,000 and USD 10,000.
Shamman remains in custody as the investigation continues.
