Despite calls for his resignation over alleged Epstein links, Muizzu yet to order probe into Waheed; police fail to initiate any inquiries
President Muizzu has reportedly requested the resignation of Special Advisor Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan following revelations of his close ties to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these links, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan stated that police have not initiated an investigation as no criminal allegations have been formally filed. Documents from Epstein’s files indicate that Dr. Waheed met with him on several occasions to discuss potential island development projects in the Maldives and to seek funding for a book.
Former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (L) and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R). | President's Office | President's Office
Despite calls for former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan to resign over his close ties to the convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, it has been revealed that President Muizzu has not ordered an investigation into the matter, nor are the police currently looking into it.
Files released by the U.S. State Department have revealed close ties between Jeffrey Epstein and former President Waheed. At the time of the disclosure, Waheed was serving as a Special Advisor to President Muizzu.
According to the files, Epstein was among those who sent messages of congratulations to President Waheed immediately after he was sworn into office. Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the development of a private island for Epstein in the Maldives, while Waheed also sought to secure funding for a book through Epstein's mediation.
Responding to a query from Raajje TV during a press conference at the President's Office on Monday, President Muizzu stated that he instructed President Waheed to resign as soon as the matter was brought to his attention. This confirms that President Muizzu opted to provide an opportunity for resignation rather than proceeding with a formal dismissal from the post.
Authorities in various countries are currently investigating several influential political figures named in the Epstein files. However, President Muizzu instead granted President Waheed the opportunity to resign from his position with honor.
Responding to a query from RaajjeTV during a press conference on Thursday regarding whether the matter is being investigated, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan stated that no case involving President Waheed has been submitted to the police in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein files. Furthermore, he confirmed that no party has requested or instructed the authorities to investigate any criminal allegations related to the matter.
We have not yet received any such complaint. Furthermore, we have not initiated any investigation into the matter on our own accord thus far. However, I assure you that in instances where we have reason to believe a criminal offense has been committed, or when a formal complaint is lodged, we will investigate those matters thoroughly, without exception for any individual.Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan
It has been revealed that President Waheed met with Epstein on several occasions. These encounters included a meeting at Epstein’s residence prior to Waheed assuming the presidency. Following his ascension to office, another meeting took place during an official visit to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
Despite facing significant public criticism, President Muizzu did not dismiss Waheed from his post following the incident. It was only several days later, on February 3rd, that Waheed voluntarily resigned from his position.
