Ex-immigration chief remanded pending trial for extortion charges
Police further report that a significant amount of cash and electronic devices were recovered from Shamman's residence during the investigation.
Former Controller of Immigration, Shamman Waheed, has been ordered to remain in custody until the conclusion of his trial in a case involving the alleged extortion of foreign nationals.
Shamman was dismissed from his post and taken into custody on the 22nd of last month following allegations of bribery. His initial 15-day remand period expired Sunday.
According to the Maldives Police Service, Shamman was produced before the court earlier Sunday, where a remand order was granted for him to remain in custody for the duration of legal proceedings.
Police have also confiscated the mobile phone of Shamman's spouse, Hidfa Faiz, in connection with the investigation. In addition, the passports of two individuals have been seized, though police have not disclosed their identities.
Authorities have also arrested four other officers from the Department of Immigration in relation to the case. The police allege that these individuals:
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Used their official authority to search a residence occupied by foreign nationals and detained several of them.
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Took the detained individuals into immigration custody along with MVR 530,000 in cash.
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Released one of the detained foreign nationals the following night, reportedly on Shamman's instruction.
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Met the released foreign national on a public street and escorted the individual to Shamman's residence, where the money was delivered.
Police further report that a significant amount of cash and electronic devices were recovered from Shamman's residence during the investigation.
