Former Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed has been found guilty of three crimes: engaging in extortion, abusing official power, and laundering money.

The hearing for the verdict was set for 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

Shamaan faced charges for involvement in extortion, an offense punishable by three years in prison; misuse of power for personal gain, which has a one-year sentence; and money laundering, subject to a sentence ranging from five to 15 years. He rejected all three accusations.

On Tuesday, the Criminal Court determined that all three allegations were substantiated and declared him guilty.

Prior to the hearing, Shamaan addressed reporters and detailed the accusations he had posted on X. He asserted that the Maldives Border Control (MBC) system was being “sold off” to select individuals at the behest of Home Minister Ali Ihusaan and claimed he had faced pressure regarding the issue. He also asserted that Attorney General Ahmed Usham was participating and that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was informed of the circumstances.

Shamaan claimed that the charges brought against him were concocted at the behest of higher officials. He asserted that people were detained with him to fabricate a case, and that deals were struck with them to substantiate the allegations.

"In summary, there is a lack of evidence." There is no proof against me. This is directly influenced by the leaders of nations. One of them is Minister Ihusaan. “Ihusaan and Attorney General Usham are leading this effort,” he stated.

Senior Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) on Tuesday refuted the claims levied against the President. Attorney General Ahmed Usham dismissed the accusations directed at him.

Shamaan’s relatives previously claimed that he was detained for planning to reveal corruption cases linked to Minister Ihusaan and that he had a video pertaining to the issue.