The trial of former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed and four others charged with extorting money from a foreign national began at the Criminal Court on Monday.
At the opening hearing, the presiding judge said one of the accused officers had entered into a plea agreement with the government. However, proceedings were adjourned as the defendants had not yet received all relevant case documents.
The judge said the hearing would resume once the documents are served to all parties, allowing the defence to present its arguments. The prosecution was also ordered to submit a written explanation for the delay in transferring the accused to a remand jail.
Waheed and the four co-defendants were formally charged by police on 12 May 12 with extortion, abuse of official status, and money laundering. If convicted on all counts, Waheed could face a minimum prison sentence of nine years, nine months and 18 days, and a maximum of 19 years and nine months if handed the highest sentence for money laundering.
The extortion charge carries a minimum sentence of three years, two months and 12 days. The abuse of office offence is punishable by at least one year, seven months and six days. If found guilty of money laundering, Waheed could face between five and 15 years in prison, along with a possible fine.
Waheed remains in custody after the High Court rejected his appeal challenging his remand.
His wife and family allege the case is politically motivated, claiming he was targeted for providing President Mohamed Muizzu with information about alleged corruption involving Home Minister Ali Ihusan. Ihusan, a senior figure in the Muizzu administration, is considered by some ruling party insiders as the de facto second-in-command.
Further hearings in the case are expected once the necessary documents are served to the defence.