Issue began when I informed Pres. of Ihusaan's involvement in corruption; his response was that I was not loyal to him: Shamaan

Former Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed has stated that the serious allegations leveled against him and the subsequent attempt to frame him began only after he brought matters of corruption involving Minister Ihusaan to the attention of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Shamaan made these remarks while speaking to the press after attending a court hearing regarding the allegations against him.

Sharing details regarding the origins of the issue with the press, Shamaan stated that they began investigating the foreign labor quota system after noticing irregularities. He alleged that this investigation uncovered corrupt activities involving Minister Ali Ihusaan. Shamaan further claimed that although these matters were brought to the President's attention, the lack of any subsequent action suggests that the President was also aware of the situation.

Shamaan further stated that he had confirmed Minister Ihsan was approving work permits for Bangladeshi nationals and collecting 8,000 MVR per quota as a form of corruption. He added that various allegations began to be leveled against him as soon as he brought this matter to the President's attention.

Shamaan further alleged that the foreign national linked to the accusations against him was released upon the direct orders of Minister Ihsan. Noting that it was previously difficult to speak out while the case was ongoing, Shamaan stated that conversations with various involved parties revealed that Home Minister Ihsan had personally contacted them regarding the matter.

"I informed the Minister that the individuals would be released, but an employer's letter was required. He then asked if I couldn't even manage such a small task upon his request, before hanging up the phone in anger," Shamaan said.

Shamaan highlighted that the state had entered into an agreement with a prosecution witness, promising leniency, even after that witness had testified in his favor. Consequently, he questioned whether the court should accept the testimony provided during the trial or the statements made in the summary statement following the leniency agreement.

"What I am trying to say is that they used all these people as bait to trap me. I do not believe his testimony can be accepted as credible," Shamaan said.

Shamaan has characterized the legal proceedings as a coordinated effort against him, allegedly orchestrated by Attorney General Ahmed Usham and Home Minister Ali Ihusaan. Shamaan was detained on allegations of conspiring with Immigration officials to extort over 500,000 Rufiyaa from a foreign national in Immigration custody, in exchange for the individual's release. The state has filed multiple charges against Shamaan in connection with this case.