Three immigration officials have been taken into custody on charges of allegedly accepting bribes from a foreign national, following an investigation that began on Thursday.

The police were tipped off that some immigration personnel were abusing their authority to exploit migrant workers.

The arrests occurred during a nighttime operation, although further details have not been disclosed by the authorities.

Two of the suspects have been detained for 10 days, while the third was held for three days.

In connection with the case, former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed was also arrested and remanded for 15 days.

According to earlier statements from the police, after the expatriate's release, the immigration officers transported MVR 530,000 in bribe money to Shamaan’s residence.

The operation was carried out by immigration officials from units other than the Task Force and Risk Management teams, who typically handle the identification and detention of expatriates residing and working illegally in the Maldives. Authorities disclosed that one of the foreign nationals was released late at night under Shamaan’s instructions. The officers involved in the operation then met the expatriate outside and took the money to Shamaan's home.