Money laundering charges against Bassam sought in MMPRC case
An investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has revealed that $29,000 from the MMPRC embezzlement scandal was deposited into the personal account of Bassam Adeel Jaleel and used for his private expenses. Bassam, who is currently serving a prison sentence for the misappropriation of Football Association of Maldives (FAM) funds, was also found to have signed several MMPRC-related agreements as a witness. This new allegation is expected to increase the number of criminal charges filed against him in connection with the massive corruption scandal.
Former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel. | Avas
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to press money laundering charges against Bassam Adeel Jaleel, the former President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), in connection with the MMPRC embezzlement scandal.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced on Monday that it has forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office following a joint investigation conducted with the Maldives Police Service. Charges have been sought against Bassam under Section 53 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Act.
Details released by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reveal that funds due to the state as acquisition costs for the lease of islands and lagoons through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) were embezzled in this case. The ACC stated that the investigation confirmed these funds were deposited into the bank accounts of SOF Private Limited, from which $29,000 was subsequently transferred to Bassam's bank account through the mediation of former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor.
In its statement, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) noted that investigations revealed Bassam had utilized these funds for personal expenses. Furthermore, the ACC highlighted that Bassam was involved in the sale of islands and lagoons through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), having signed several lease agreements on behalf of the corporation as a witness.
Bassam is currently serving a 32-year prison sentence after being found guilty of embezzling funds from the Football Association of Maldives (FAM). The Criminal Court handed down the sentence after convicting him on four charges related to the embezzlement and laundering of $1.21 million sent to the FAM by FIFA.
In connection with the case, police have seized two apartments at Amin Avenue allegedly purchased by Bassam. With the decision to press additional money laundering charges against him related to the MMPRC corruption scandal, the number of legal actions he faces continues to grow.
