Police have arrested another individual in connection with the ongoing investigation into bribery and exploitation of migrant workers by immigration officials. The latest suspect, 40-year-old Ahmed Lassaan, was taken into custody on March 23, 2025.

This follows the earlier arrests of former Immigration Chief Mohamed Shammaan Waheed (36), Mohamed Alson (21), Ibrahim Ahmed (37), and Hassan Saheshan (47) on March 21, 2025. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly after Shammaan was dismissed from his post on March 20 as authorities launched their probe.

The investigation began after immigration officials conducted an unauthorized raid on a Bangladeshi migrant worker's residence, allegedly under Shammaan’s direct orders. The worker was arrested with over MVR 500,000 in cash, but was later released on Shammaan’s orders. The officials who carried out the raid then delivered the seized money to Shammaan’s residence, according to police.

On March 21, authorities searched Shammaan’s residence and discovered the money taken from the migrant worker. Later that day, he was summoned for questioning and was arrested just minutes after leaving the police station, reportedly as he prepared to hold a press briefing.

Shammaan and the other arrested individuals are accused of bribery, abuse of power, and exploiting migrant workers. Police have not disclosed further details, and the investigation remains ongoing.