Family says Shamman's student loans paid with father's funds
Shamman, who served as the first immigration controller under the current government, was dismissed from office and arrested on 22 March 2025.
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The parents of former immigration controller Shamman Waheed testified in court on Wednesday in connection with allegations that he used his position to obtain money from foreign nationals, telling the court that payments made towards his student loans came from funds provided by his father.
Shamman, who served as the first immigration controller under the current government, was dismissed from office and arrested on 22 March 2025. Four other immigration officers were arrested in connection with the same case.
The prosecution alleges that Shamman participated in an unlawful operation targeting foreign workers alongside other immigration officers and obtained MVR 530,000 from one individual. Prosecutors further allege that MVR 149,491 was deposited into a loan account at the Bank of Maldives and MVR 110,345 into another loan account to repay two student loans in his name.
The Criminal Court on Wednesday heard testimony from defence witnesses called to establish that the funds used were obtained through other means. Witnesses included Shamman's father Ibrahim Waheed, his mother Murshia, his wife Idhfa Faiz, and friends Aminath Nashaya and Fareesh Mohamed.
Ibrahim Waheed told the court that he earns a monthly income from renting out a café, a shop and an apartment, and that the income is kept as cash at home. He said that he paid off Shamman's loans and handed over MVR 300,000 in cash to his son in a black bag.
Murshia testified that her husband earns income from business activities and said she was present when the money was handed over to Shamman.
Shamman's wife told the court that he sold his car and received advance payments in cash amounting to US$10,000 and MVR 250,000. The car sale agreement was submitted to the court, and Nashaya and Fareesh, who signed the agreement as witnesses, testified that they were present when the cash was handed over.
The prosecution asked the court to order the recovery of MVR 250,000 seized from Shamman's residence and to grant compensation for the amount allegedly taken from the foreign national.
Shamman was released from custody on 25 December 2025, nine months after his arrest. He remains free on conditions, with his passport withheld.
