Ex-wife files complaint against Maldives embassy official in London

Serious allegations have been reported to police in London against Ijaz Waheed Goodrich, Second Secretary at the Maldivian Embassy in London, by his former wife.

Ijaz is the grandson of former President Mohamed Waheed Hassan. Sources confirmed to Atoll Times that Ijaz has been in Maldives for some time while the matter is under investigation.

Following discussion of the allegations on social media, Ijaz’s elder brother, Jeffrey Salim Waheed, posted a statement confirming that a report had been filed with UK police by Ijaz’s former wife.

In his statement, Jeffrey said the report was made after the couple separated and while Ijaz’s former wife held diplomatic immunity. He added that the report was submitted after Ijaz expressed his intention to separate. Jeffrey denied the allegations and said they were unfounded.

“It is not known exactly what the allegations are,” Jeffrey wrote, adding that claims circulating online suggest accusations of torture. He stated that Ijaz has not been violent towards anyone, including his former wife, and that the couple separated by mutual agreement.

According to Jeffrey, Ijaz is currently in Maldives and has surrendered his diplomatic passport while British police conduct their investigation. He said Ijaz intends to return to the United Kingdom to respond to the allegations.

Jeffrey said any allegation of gender-based or domestic violence is serious and must be addressed, adding that the family would cooperate with any process required to resolve the matter.