Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated today that no criminal investigation has been launched against former President Mohamed Waheed regarding his ties to convicted serial child sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein.
Waheed stepped down as Special Envoy to the President after revelations of his links to Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in the recently released Epstein Files.
Waheed's resignation followed public pressure after disclosures of his links to Epstein, spanning his time as Vice President, President, and later. Multiple emails reveal Waheed shared confidential state matters and requested financial support and guidance, despite Epstein's earlier conviction for sex trafficking.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated this week that Waheed had submitted his resignation after the President instructed him to do so.
Asked about the case by a reporter, Ihusan responded that no cases regarding the Epstein files have been lodged with the Police, adding that Police themselves also have not initiated any such investigations.
Ihusan, however, asserted that no one is exempt, and that any criminal allegation will be investigated if such a complaint is made or a case is filed.
As seen in the files publicized by US authorities, Waheed and Epstein maintained the ties between 2012 and 2015. This falls after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex trafficking, for which he served prison time.
While Waheed had sent numerous emails regarding the Maldivian political scene to Epstein, one which stands out was sent in 2013 in which Waheed claims that India had exerted influence on the Maldives' presidential election.
The emails also reveal that Waheed attempted to work with Epstein to develop a Maldivian island as a private island and prepared and shared a feasibility report for the prospect.
Disclosed email communications show that Waheed maintained a close relationship with Epstein, treating him as a close associate from whom he sought guidance on major issues.
According to the communications, the significant matters on which Waheed sought Epstein's advice included Maldivian financial affairs and the 2013 presidential election campaign strategy.
Waheed, meanwhile, has claimed that he had maintained ties with Epstein without being aware of his earlier conviction and the allegations against him. He said that he had met with Epstein on the basis of him being one of the most influential fund managers and financial advisors in New York.
