Five correctional service officers have been charged with smuggling drugs and mobile phones into Maafushi Prison.
Five correctional service officers have been charged with smuggling drugs and mobile phones into Maafushi Prison.
The officers were arrested on June 28 during an operation conducted at the prison, where evidence was found linking them to the alleged smuggling activities, according to police reports.
The investigation, which involved 13 individuals, has now been completed, and the cases were sent to the Prosecutor General's Office for prosecution.
Charges against five of the accused were filed in the Criminal Court yesterday. The individuals charged are:
1. Jinah Abdul Raheem, Raa atoll Ungoofaaru, Ivoryhouse
2. Ali Hisham, Kaafu atoll Maafushi, Beachhouse
3. Ali Nazim, Haa Dhaalu Neykurendhoo, Tharaanaage
4. Mohamed Fathooh Fathuhulla, Gaafu Alifu Villingili, Kulhavah
5. Ali Asfaq, Noonu atoll Landhoo, Kaamineege
Jinah Abdul Raheem and Ali Hisham have been charged with three counts. They are charged with abuse of official position, money laundering and acquisition of unjust enrichment.
The other three charged were charged with abuse of official status and unjust enrichment.
The prosecutor's office said it has decided not to prosecute the other accused as there is not enough evidence to prosecute them. Police are still investigating the case and will decide whether to prosecute others after the investigation, the office said.
After the operation, police said 18 prison officers were involved in the crime. MVR 73.6 million has been deposited in their accounts during the last year.
A total of MVR 24 million has been deposited into the account of one officer on several occasions.
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