Home Minister Ali Ihusaan has stated that he requested the Maldives Immigration to expedite the provision of CCTV footage to the police in connection with the case where former Immigration Controller Mohamed Sham’aan is accused of abusing his official position for undue gain. The Minister clarified that this request was made in his capacity as the minister overseeing both departments. During his testimony in the case, an Immigration officer stated that he was instructed to hand over the footage by the head of the ICT section, who had received the request from Minister Ihusaan. Minister Ihusaan further remarked that it is his responsibility to expedite matters if they face delays, and he is concerned by the criticism he has received for doing so.
However, Sham’aan’s defense lawyer questioned whether the Minister’s directive was conveyed through official channels. The witness explained that while police generally issue direct requests, footage is also released upon the request of ministers and senior officers, especially when circumstances demand urgency. Despite Sham’aan’s family accusing Minister Ihusaan of influencing his arrest, the Minister has maintained that it was not a personal matter.
Sham’aan was dismissed from his position and subsequently arrested in connection with allegations that he, in collaboration with employees of the department, acquired MVR 500,000 from a foreigner after facilitating their release. The state has filed charges against Sham’aan for misuse of official authority, extortion, and money laundering. He is currently held in pre-trial detention.
