Five Immigration officers under probe for illicit enrichment

Home Minister Ali Ihusan states an investigation is underway against five Immigration officers who are suspected of illicit enrichment.

The Minister, via a post on X on Thursday night, said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has instructed the strictest action possible within the law against individuals in uniformed institutions who commit acts that harm the confidence in the institution and disgrace the uniform.

In this regard, the Minister detailed that an investigation has been initiated against five Immigration officers via Maldives Police Service based on a tip received accusing them of violation of laws and regulations in undertaking work related to migrants and in this trajectory, providing illicit enrichment to some.

“Such acts will not be tolerated by the current administration to any extent,” he stressed while noting electronic devices of the individuals involved in the case has been seized and their residences have been searched as part of the investigation.

Minister Ihusan said further information regarding the case will be shared in due course in collaboration with the Police and other relevant authorities.

The case has come to light as the current administration undertakes significant efforts to resolve the issue of illegal migration in the Maldives. As part of these efforts, an initiative is underway to collect the biometric data of all immigrants residing in the Maldives while Immigration, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is conducting regular raids to identify and detain illegal immigrants.