Prison drug smuggling network: 13 prison officers arrested

Maldives Police Service, on Friday, announced that the number of prison officers arrested on the suspicion of smuggling drugs and other contraband to prison has increased to 13.

During a home sector press conference held last night, authorities revealed details of an investigation that uncovered that 18 prison officers of Maldives Correctional Service were involved in smuggling drugs to prisons, with their bank accounts containing MVR 73 million.

The Police, last night, said only eight prison officers have been arrested so far. However, this morning, they announced an increase in the number of arrestees – which now stands at 13.

They include nine prison officers arrested from K. Maafushi, two from K. Kaashidhoo, one from HA. Utheem and one from Male’ City. No further details regarding the arrestees were disclosed by the Police.

Speaking at last night’s press conference, Home Minister Ali Ihusan, underscoring six of 18 prison officers involved have resigned from Corrections this year, said action will nevertheless be initiated against them. The remaining officers are still employed by Corrections.

It was noted the bank accounts of the six individuals who resigned contained large sums of money despite them not being employed at another job or carrying out a business.

“In this regard, MVR 24 million has been deposited to the accounts of some staff. Through our investigations, we uncovered that approximately MVR 73,600.000 have been deposited to the accounts of these 18 staff starting from January 2023 to date,” Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chief Superintendent Abdulla Shareef said. 

The money had been transferred from accounts of detainees in prison and known criminals in Male’ area.  

Home Minister Ali Ihusan the circulation of such a large amount of money among several accounts will “surely” be investigated. He added that the transfers had gone unnoticed by the bank as they were made in small sums.