Shamaan released after nine months in detention, passport withheld

The Criminal Court has ordered the release of former Controller General of the Maldives Immigration Shamaan Waheed, who was arrested on suspicion of misusing his official position and extorting money from a foreigner.

The court stated that testimony from the primary witnesses concerning the charges filed against Shamaan has been concluded. Considering the diminished likelihood of him influencing witnesses, the court decided on Thursday to release him from detention with conditions, following a request from the State.

Shamaan, who served as the first Immigration Controller under the current administration, was dismissed from his post and arrested on March 22. Four other immigration officers were also arrested alongside him. He was initially remanded for 15 days in connection with the case, and on April 6, the court ordered his detention until the conclusion of his trial. As of Thursday, he had been in detention for nine months and three days.

The state filed three charges against Shamaan including robbery, misuse of official capacity, and money laundering.

As hearings in the case continue in the Criminal Court, if the charges are proven, Shamaan faces a minimum prison sentence of nine years, nine months, and 18 days. Should the sentence for money laundering be determined as 15 years, the total prison term would amount to 19 years and nine months.

During Thursday’s hearing, the state also requested that Shamaan’s passport be withheld to prevent him from traveling outside the Maldives.