The Criminal Court has sentenced former Controller of Immigration Shamman Waheed to 25 years in prison.
Shamman faced three charges following allegations of abusing his official position to extort money from a foreign national. The charges included robbery, abuse of official authority, and money laundering.
Speaking to reporters today before entering the courtroom for his sentencing hearing, Shamman maintained that he was framed.
Shamaan alleged that work permits for Bangladeshi nationals were being approved directly through Home Minister Ali Ihusaan, and that he had informed President Mohamed Muizzu after confirming that MVR 8,000 was being collected as a bribe for each permit.
"Is the President’s failure to act not an act of corruption? When the President is directly aware that this is happening and does not stop it, that is corruption. Therefore, I believe the President is a participant in this," Shamman said.
Muizzu denies corruption allegations after remarks from ex-Immigration chief
President Mohamed Muizzu has denied corruption allegations made by former Immigration chief Shamaan Waheed, who claims the President ignored reports of bribery involving the Home Minister. A government spokesperson dismissed the claims as lies, while Shamaan maintains he has evidence of the misconduct on a phone currently held by police.
Shamman was dismissed from his post as Controller on March 21, 2025, and was arrested by police the following day. He was initially remanded for 15 days before the court ordered him to be held in custody pending the outcome of his trial on April 6. Shamman spent 278 days in detention before being released on December 25 last year.
Several others were also arrested in connection with the case, including immigration officers and a civilian. Some of the suspects entered into plea bargain agreements with the state.
