Police board recommends Farhad Fikry for commissioner post
Farhad Fikry has faced allegations related to the use of official influence in criminal investigations.
The Police Board has recommended Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry to President Mohamed Muizzu for appointment as Commissioner of Police.
Farhad, who is serving as Acting Head of the Maldives Police Service, has been recommended to the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan. A final decision on the appointment has not yet been made.
Sources confirmed that the recommendation was made on Wednesday.
According to sources, the Board had initially decided to recommend Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Shareef. The Board later reconvened and revised its decision following the receipt of a police intelligence report. The Ministry has not issued a response to requests for comment.
Farhad Fikry has faced allegations related to the use of official influence in criminal investigations. Complaints have been submitted to the Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services and the Police Integrity Commission.
The allegations include claims of interference in a case involving his son, as well as claims related to the handling of an investigation involving allegations of sexual assault. There are also claims that he influenced the release of his son following an arrest.
Minister Ihusaan has previously stated that these allegations have not been proven.
Farhad was also among a group of senior officers previously dismissed by an earlier Police Board based on allegations relating to evidence handling. Following a court ruling, the officers were reinstated, and Farhad was later appointed Deputy Commissioner.
Reports from oversight bodies were reviewed as part of the selection process. Under the Police Act, the Board is required to recommend a candidate to the Minister after reviewing such reports.
The post of Commissioner of Police became vacant after the retirement of Ismail Naveen on 18 February.
The recruitment process was extended after no applications were received during the initial call.
Other applicants for the post include Assistant Commissioner Abdulla Shareef and Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed.
