Plea deal proposed for another officer arrested over smuggling phones and drugs into prison
27 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 09:35The state has proposed a plea agreement with Mohamed Fathooh, one of the Maldives Correctional Service officers charged with accepting bribes to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prison. Similar agreements have previously been established with other individuals implicated in the same case.
Several prison officers arrested over allegations of smuggling phones and drugs into jail. | RaajjeMV
The state has proposed a plea agreement with an additional Maldives Correctional Service officer arrested in connection with a major smuggling operation involving the trafficking of narcotics and mobile phones into prison, as well as the acceptance of substantial bribes.
The Maldives Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission have concluded a joint investigation into several Maldives Correctional Service officers accused of abusing their positions for illicit financial gain. The investigation revealed that the officers violated their legal mandates and engaged in financial transactions inconsistent with their official income. On August 22, 2024, the case was formally submitted to the Criminal Court, seeking charges against five individuals implicated in the corruption scandal.
The individuals forwarded for prosecution in this case are Jinah Abdul Raheem of Ivory House, R. Ungoofaaru; Ali Hisham of Beach House, K. Maafushi; Ali Nazim of Tharaanage, Hdh. Neykurendhoo; Mohamed Fathooh Fathuhulla of Kullhavahge, Ga. Villingili; and Ali Ashfag of Kaamineege, N. Landhoo.
The proceedings on Thursday focused on the case against the defendant, Mohamed Fathoohu Fathuhulla. During the hearing, the presiding judge reviewed the current status and progress of the case.
During the hearing, the state prosecutor noted that Mohamed Fathooh remains eligible to submit a plea agreement for a lighter sentence. In response, Fathooh stated that he would submit such a proposal if the opportunity were available.
In this case, caution agreements have been signed with the majority of the individuals involved so far. This is a major investigation involving numerous individuals accused of participating in the smuggling of narcotics into prisons.
Regarding this case, the Prosecutor General’s Office previously stated that it involves allegations against Maldives Correctional Service officers for violating their legal duties and professional responsibilities. The officers are accused of obtaining illicit financial gains through unauthorized activities while in service and engaging in financial transactions inconsistent with their employment. The case was forwarded to the PG Office following a joint investigation by the Maldives Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
