Prison officers case: plea bargains entered with three accused

The State has entered plea bargains with three of the accused in the case of prison officers colluding in bringing in contraband inside Maafushi Prison and making illicit income.

In a special operation conducted in June, 18 prison officers were arrested for smuggling contraband including drugs and mobile phones into Maafushi prison and getting MVR 73 million through these actions. Out of the 18 officers, cases against 13 were sent for prosecution.

The officers charged in the case are;

1. Jinah AbduRaheem, Ivory House, Raa atoll Ungoofaaru

2. Ali Ashfag, Kaamineege, Noonu atoll Landhoo

3. Ali Shaheem, Beach House, Kaafu atoll Maafushi

4. Mohamed Fathooh Fathhulla, Kuhlhavahge, Gaafu Alif atoll Vilin'gili

5. Ali Nazim, Tharaanaage, Haa Dhaalu atoll Neykurandhoo

The Prosecutor General's Office decided not to press charges against the remaining eight officers due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

Out of these, Jinah and Shaheem are charged with abuse of an official position, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. The remaining three are charged with abuse of an official position and illicit enrichment.

The trial began at the Criminal Court today, with the State announcing in today's hearing that plea bargains have been entered into with Jinah, Fathooh and Ashfag. The leniencies that they will be provided under the plea bargains were not disclosed.

Defence lawyers requested for time to research documents following the plea bargain. They requested access to some documents which they do not possess at present.

Judge Ismail Shafeeu granted this request. He stated that the defence lawyers must identify which documents are missing within ten days and notify the Prosecutor General's Office, who should then respond.

Fathooh did not have legal representation during the hearing, and the Judge allowed for him to appoint representation.

All accused besides Fathooh remain in custody.