Minister of Home Affairs Ali Ihusaan has assigned Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry to temporarily lead the Maldives Police Service following the retirement of Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, effective yesterday.

Commissioner Naveen, who assumed the role in June last year, submitted his retirement request last Saturday. In a Facebook post yesterday, he noted that his retirement coincided with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. He reflected on his 32-year career, stating that he is stepping away while upholding the values he held since joining the force. He expressed that his respect for the institution and love for the nation remain steadfast, calling his service as a police officer an honor.

Naveen was appointed as CP after the sudden departure of Ali Shujau in April last year. During the selection process, DCP Farhad Fikry and Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shamiem had also expressed interest, but President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ultimately selected Naveen for the post.

Naveen’s retirement occurs at a time when the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has recommended the suspension of him and seven other senior officers over corruption allegations linked to "Polco," the police welfare company. However, a final decision on this matter has yet to be reached by the People's Majlis.