AG Usham denies allegations, says there was no reason for him or the government to frame Shamaan

Attorney General Ahmed Usham on Tuesday denied the allegations made by former Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed.

Shamaan spoke to reporters before his sentencing on three counts, including money laundering. He accused Home Minister Ali Ihusaan of selling Maldives’ border to certain individuals.

He said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had called him directly on several occasions as he tried to stop these activities, and therefore accused the President of being involved.

He further alleged that Attorney General Usham and Minister Ihusaan were in charge of selling the border control system. He claimed evidence related to the matter would be on his phone, and alleged that the activity was still continuing in secret.

When asked about these claims, Usham denied the allegations. He said there was no reason for him or the government to frame Shamaan.

The AG said Shamaan was charged with extorting money from a Bangladeshi man, and that the case was not political in nature.

Shamaan was released from custody on December 25 after being held in remand. Since then, he has been critical of the government on several political issues. He recently said Minister Ihusaan should resign over his actions following the death of a girl at the Maldives National University (MNU) campus in Male’ City.

Shamaan was arrested while serving as Controller General of Immigration for allegedly extorting money from foreigners. Several others were arrested along with him. Shamaan said on Tuesday that they were released on the orders of Minister Ihusaan.

Police believe Immigration officers took bribe money from detained foreigners and then released them without processing them legally.

Shamaan had previously predicted his own imprisonment in this case.

Earlier, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had also said Shamaan was being framed.