The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed money laundering charges against former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adheel Jaleel in connection with the MMPRC corruption scandal.
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by the ACC and Maldives Police Service into alleged corruption linked to the leasing of islands and lagoons through the former Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
Investigators allege that funds owed to the state as acquisition costs were unlawfully diverted through SOF Private Limited accounts. The ACC stated that evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb facilitated a transfer of USD 29,000 from SOF Private Limited to Bassam’s bank account.
Authorities further allege that the funds were subsequently used for Bassam’s personal expenses.
The ACC also noted that Bassam was involved in transactions relating to the sale and lease of islands and lagoons through MMPRC and had acted as a witness in several related agreements.
The case has been forwarded for prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act.
