High Court upholds custody order for ex-immigration chief
The bench further ruled that the police investigation into potential money laundering could proceed independently of the corruption allegations.
The High Court on Tuesday upheld a decision by the Criminal Court to remand former Controller of Immigration, Shamman Waheed, in custody pending trial.
Shamman was dismissed from his post following bribery allegations and was arrested on the 22nd of last month. Following an initial 15-day remand, the Criminal Court ordered that he remain in custody until the conclusion of the trial. Shamman challenged both detention orders at the High Court.
In its ruling, the High Court stated that the defence had not provided sufficient grounds to prove that the remand decision violated legal procedures or relevant laws.
The bench further ruled that the police investigation into potential money laundering could proceed independently of the corruption allegations.
The High Court ruling was unanimous, with the decision delivered by a three-judge panel consisting of Justice Abdul Maniu, Justice Mohamed Niyaz, and Chief Justice Hassan Shafeeu.
As part of the investigation, police have seized the phone of Shamman’s wife, Hidfa Faiz. Passports belonging to two other individuals have also been confiscated, though police have not disclosed their identities.
Four additional immigration officers have also been arrested in connection with the case. Police allege that:
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The officers used their positions to conduct a search at a residence occupied by foreign nationals and detained several individuals.
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The detainees were brought to the Immigration Detention Centre along with MVR 530,000.
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One of the foreign nationals was released during the night following instructions allegedly given by Shamman.
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The officers reportedly met with the released individual later on the street and delivered money to Shamman's residence.
Police have seized a significant amount of money and electronic devices from Shamman's home as part of the investigation.
