The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has reported the arrest of 13 employees during an operation targeting bribery and smuggling involving jail officers at Maafushi Prison. The operation is investigating allegations that employees of the Maldives Correctional Services (MCS) engaged in bribery, as well as smuggling phones and drugs.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Shareef provided updates on the operation, revealing that intelligence data indicated large sums of money totaling USD 4.7 million were deposited into the accounts of 18 officers since January 2023. These funds were allegedly deposited into accounts belonging to prisoners and individuals associated with criminal activities.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan strongly condemned the actions of individuals in positions of trust who accept bribes. He emphasized that the authorities will pursue the strictest legal actions against all those involved in bribery cases. Minister Ihusaan disclosed that all 18 officers implicated were of junior rank, with six already having resigned. He reassured that there would be no discrimination based on rank in handling the case.
Regarding the arrests, MPS stated that 13 officers from the Maldives Correctional Services were arrested: 9 in Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll; 2 in Kaashidhoo, Kaafu Atoll; and 1 in Male' City.
The operation underscores the Maldives government's commitment to combatting corruption and ensuring the integrity of its law enforcement institutions.