Shamman didn't share graft claims with investigators, police say

The Maldives Police Service has stated that former Controller of Immigration Shamman Waheed did not provide investigators with any information or evidence relating to corruption allegations he recently made against Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.

The statement was issued on Thursday, a day after the Criminal Court sentenced Shamman to 25 years in prison after finding him guilty of offences including money laundering.

Before entering court for the sentencing hearing, Shamman alleged that Minister Ihusaan had played a role in framing him and was involved in corruption related to expatriate quotas. He also claimed that evidence supporting those allegations was contained on his mobile phone and that the matter had previously been brought to the attention of President Mohamed Muizzu.

In response, police released a statement outlining the findings of the investigation and addressing the claims raised by Shamman.

Police said the investigation was conducted independently and was based on evidence obtained during the inquiry.

"All decisions made during the investigation were based on the evidence gathered and were reached independently by this institution in accordance with relevant laws and regulations," the statement said.

The police also rejected allegations that witnesses had been influenced or that the investigation had been carried out under political direction, describing those claims as unsupported by facts.

Addressing the allegations against Minister Ihusaan, police said that throughout the investigation and subsequent court proceedings, Shamman declined to provide the access code for his seized mobile phone, preventing investigators from examining its contents.

According to police, Shamman did not provide information relating to the allegations at any stage of the investigation or during the period he was released from custody before the trial concluded.

Police further stated that they were not aware of any formal complaints or reports concerning the allegations being submitted to any institution responsible for investigating corruption.

The statement added that any allegation of criminal conduct supported by evidence or credible information would be reviewed and investigated through the legal process.

"We assure the public that any allegation regarding a criminal offence, supported by reasonable evidence or information from any party, will be reviewed and investigated through due legal process," police said.

The Maldives Police Service also reiterated its commitment to the constitutional justice system and judicial independence, noting that parties dissatisfied with court decisions have the right to pursue appeals through the courts.

Minister Ihusaan has previously denied the allegations made by Shamman.