Three Prison Officers in Contraband Case Enter Plea Bargains
The State has reached plea agreements with three individuals accused in a case involving prison officers colluding to smuggle contraband into Maafushi Prison, resulting in illicit earnings.
In a special operation conducted in June, 18 prison officers were apprehended for smuggling contraband, including drugs and mobile phones, into Maafushi Prison. The actions of these officers are alleged to have generated MVR 73 million. Of the 18 arrested, cases against 13 have been forwarded for prosecution.
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The officers charged in the case include:
- Jinah AbduRaheem, Ivory House, Raa Atoll Ungoofaaru
- Ali Ashfag, Kaamineege, Noonu Atoll Landhoo
- Ali Shaheem, Beach House, Kaafu Atoll Maafushi
- Mohamed Fathooh Fathhulla, Kuhlhavahge, Gaafu Alif Atoll Vilin’gili
- Ali Nazim, Tharaanaage, Haa Dhaalu Atoll Neykurandhoo
The Prosecutor General’s Office has opted not to pursue charges against the remaining eight officers due to insufficient evidence.
Among those charged, Jinah AbduRaheem and Ali Shaheem face allegations of abuse of an official position, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. The other three officers are charged with abuse of an official position and illicit enrichment.
The trial commenced at the Criminal Court today, during which the State announced that plea bargains had been reached with Jinah AbduRaheem, Mohamed Fathooh Fathhulla, and Ali Ashfag. Details regarding the leniencies offered under these agreements have not been disclosed.
Defence lawyers requested additional time to review documents related to the plea bargains, highlighting the need for access to specific materials not currently in their possession. Judge Ismail Shafeeu granted this request, stating that the defence must identify the missing documents within ten days and inform the Prosecutor General’s Office, which is expected to respond accordingly.
Notably, Fathooh appeared in court without legal representation, prompting the Judge to permit him to appoint legal counsel. All accused, with the exception of Fathooh, remain in custody.
