Shamman released on conditions after 9 months
Shamman, the first Immigration Controller appointed under the current administration, was dismissed from his post and arrested on 22 March.
Former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamman Waheed was released from custody by the Criminal Court on Thursday after spending more than nine months in detention over allegations of exploiting foreign nationals.
Shamman, the first Immigration Controller appointed under the current administration, was dismissed from his post and arrested on 22 March. Four other immigration officers were arrested in connection with the same case.
He had been held pending trial on charges related to influencing witnesses. At Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution informed the court that it had completed testimony from key witnesses and therefore requested that Shamman be released on conditions.
The prosecution also sought an order to seize Shamman’s passport to prevent him from leaving the country.
After considering the submissions, Criminal Court Judge Ibrahim Ihsan ordered Shamman’s release subject to conditions and issued an order for the seizure of his passport, barring him from travelling abroad.
Two other immigration officers charged in the case have pleaded guilty. The court has issued sentences against both individuals. One of the officers is not currently in custody due to the status of sentence execution.
