ACC questions ex-Immigration Controller Shamaan in investigation

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has taken a statement from former Controller of Immigration Shamaan Waheed, who is serving a 25-year prison sentence, in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The commission confirmed that Shamaan had been questioned but declined to disclose the nature of the investigation.

Shamaan was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Criminal Court in June after being convicted on three charges brought by the state, including money laundering.

Before attending the hearing at which his sentence was delivered, Shamaan made several allegations against Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.

He alleged that Ihusaan had played a leading role in framing him and accused the minister of involvement in corruption relating to foreign worker quotas within the ministry.

Shamaan also claimed that he had shared information about the alleged corruption with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that evidence relating to the allegations could be found on his mobile phone.

Several media outlets have reported that the ACC questioned Shamaan in connection with his allegations against Ihusaan.

However, when contacted for clarification, the commission confirmed only that a statement had been obtained from Shamaan as part of an investigation.

"Former Controller of Immigration Shamaan has been summoned to provide a statement in connection with a case being investigated by the commission," an ACC media official told Dhauru.

The commission did not confirm whether the investigation concerned the allegations made against Ihusaan.

Police had previously stated that Shamaan had not shared any information with investigators to substantiate the allegations he made against the minister.

The ACC has not disclosed further details about the investigation or indicated whether any additional individuals are being questioned.