Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan has resigned from his role as Special Envoy to the President following the release of the Epstein Files, which revealed extensive communication between Waheed and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex trafficker.
According to a statement published on the President’s Office website, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received Waheed’s resignation letter earlier today. The statement confirmed that Waheed stepped down from the post with immediate effect.
The resignation comes amid growing public pressure after documents released by US authorities last Friday detailed Waheed’s interactions with Epstein over several years. The disclosures have raised serious concerns, particularly given Epstein’s criminal conviction in 2008 for sex trafficking.
Emails Reveal Years of Contact After Epstein’s Conviction
The newly released files show that Waheed and Epstein remained in contact between 2012 and 2015, well after Epstein had served prison time for sex trafficking offenses. During this period, Waheed held influential political positions, including Vice President and President.
Multiple emails indicate that Waheed shared sensitive political assessments and internal matters related to Maldives with Epstein. In several instances, he also sought financial support and strategic advice, despite Epstein’s widely known criminal history.
Observers have questioned why a senior Maldivian political figure continued to engage so closely with Epstein during these years. For many, this detail has become the most troubling aspect of the revelations.
Claims of Foreign Influence and Political Rivalries
Among the disclosed emails, one message sent in 2013 has drawn particular attention. In that email, Waheed alleged that India had interfered in the presidential election.
“The election has turned out to be much more difficult than previously predicted. India is influencing the election, and they helped Nasheed steal the first round,” Waheed wrote.
Other messages reveal Waheed’s sharp criticism of key political figures. In one email, he claimed he would “deliver a good lesson” to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, stating that Gayoom would be forced to retire and withdraw from politics.
Emails dated 2018 also show Waheed’s assessments of the political landscape at the time. He expressed doubt that former President Abdulla Yameen would win the election and suggested it was unlikely former President Mohamed Nasheed would be released from prison, though he maintained Nasheed deserved a fair trial.
Island Development Proposal and Financial Advice
Beyond political commentary, the emails reveal that Waheed explored business ventures with Epstein. One exchange shows Waheed attempting to work with Epstein on developing a private island in Maldives. He reportedly prepared and shared a feasibility report outlining the proposal.
The communications further suggest that Waheed viewed Epstein as a trusted adviser. He frequently sought guidance on major issues, including national financial matters and campaign strategy during the 2013 presidential election.
Previously disclosed emails also confirm that Waheed met Epstein in person during a 2012 visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Shortly after that meeting, Waheed sought Epstein’s opinion on a four billion dollar proposal submitted by then Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad, a plan that critics warned could have destabilized the Maldivian economy.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier with connections to powerful political and social figures across the world, was first arrested in 2005 on charges related to the sexual abuse of minors. He was later convicted in 2008 and served prison time.
Epstein was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. About a month after being jailed, he was found dead in his prison cell on August 10, in what authorities ruled a suicide.
His longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell was later arrested, convicted for assisting in Epstein’s crimes, and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
