MNDF appoints India vetted official as head of Intelligence

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Naeem as head of Directorate of Military Intelligence.

A source from MNDF confirmed to TMJ that Naeem is an asset of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and provides regular information to the agency. Reportedly his appointment has been weeks in the making.

The previous head of the Department, Dr Meeraz Mohamed Fulhu was removed after the Yoga Day event disruption. He was accused of not having provided necessary information.

The source denied this, citing that the leadership had been looking for an excuse to remove Dr Meeraz from the position.

Several senior figures at MNDF had defended Indian soldiers remaining in the Maldives. There is an increasing number of individuals being vetted by India prior to getting appointed to their positions. Chief of Defense Force Major General Shiyam has close ties to the Indian government and had resided in India for an extended period of time.