Government officials seek to seize power unjustly and position themselves as spiritual leaders: Shamheed

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumalé constituency, has stated that state leaders are seeking to acquire powers unjustly in an attempt to establish themselves as spiritual leaders.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Shamheed stated that enforcing foreign exchange regulations is the responsibility of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and does not fall under the mandate of the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology.

However, MP Shamheed stated that placing the enforcement of foreign exchange laws under the Home Minister's jurisdiction could lead to unjust money laundering and terrorism charges against tourism companies operating in the Maldives. He warned that tarnishing the global reputation of these companies in such a manner would cause significant long-term damage to the country's tourism industry.

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) is the sole entity legally mandated to take action under the Foreign Exchange Act. However, what we witnessed yesterday was the Minister of Homeland Security leading an operation—utilizing an individual identified as his nephew—to enter the corporate office of a Maldivian resort. They proceeded to frame the establishment as a hub for money laundering, terrorism, and every conceivable global crime, disseminating these allegations to both local and international media. Such actions fall entirely outside the Minister’s legal mandate.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed

Shamheed noted that trading foreign currency at rates higher than those set by the government is prohibited by law, highlighting that Article 24 of the Act clearly outlines the necessary penalties for such violations. However, he asserted that establishing a new police unit, led by a family member of the Home Minister, to intimidate Maldivian businesses in a manner inconsistent with legal provisions also constitutes a violation of the Police Act.

MP Shamheed stated that the Minister of Home Affairs does not have the authority to issue directives to police units, noting that such powers are vested exclusively in the Commissioner of Police. The MP further remarked that state leaders are seeking to acquire powers unlawfully in an attempt to portray themselves as spiritual leaders.

Does the Police Act actually empower the Home Minister to command police units? I do not believe such a provision exists. Under the current Home Minister, the role of the Commissioner of Police has been rendered obsolete. Furthermore, they seek to portray themselves as spiritual leaders, asserting that they possess absolute power and authority. However, these actions are being carried out entirely outside the established legal framework.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed

Authorities on Tuesday froze the bank accounts of Naid Investment Private Limited—the operator of Furaveri Island Resort and Page Hardware—and conducted a search of the company's offices. The action follows allegations of large-scale illegal foreign currency transactions carried out in violation of established laws and regulations.