Shamaan remains in pre-trial detention on charges of money laundering, bribery and extortion. He allegedly collaborated with Immigration employees to extort over MVR 500,000 from a foreigner in exchange for release from custody. The court denied his request for release during the ongoing evidentiary phase of the trial.
Shamaan's appeal trial at the High Court
Former Controller General of the Maldives Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, will remain in pre-trial detention in connection with charges filed against him by the state.
Shamaan's detention is linked to allegations that he, in collaboration with several Immigration employees, facilitated the release of a foreigner from Immigration custody after extorting over MVR 500,000 from the individual.
Multiple charges have been filed against him in relation to the case, and he has been in custody since his initial arrest.
Shamaan had requested a review of his detention. However, during a hearing on Thursday, the court ruled that he would not be released at this time. The state has stated that it does not oppose Shamaan's release once the evidentiary phase of the trial is concluded.
Shamaan faces serious charges including money laundering, bribery and extortion. The trial is currently in the evidentiary phase, with testimonies from some witnesses already recorded.
In addition to Shamaan, other individuals have been charged in connection with the case. One Immigration employee has pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and his case was concluded earlier under a plea agreement with the state.
