FAM employee testifies to irregular transactions in embezzlement

An employee from the finance department of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) testified at the Criminal Court on Sunday, stating that he had observed irregular transactions and some outstanding payments during his tenure.

The case involves former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, who is facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Mohamed Agil, head of FAM’s accounts department, is also being prosecuted.

The prosecution had scheduled to present five witnesses during the hearing. However, one witness could not be contacted due to an inactive phone number. The testimonies of the remaining four witnesses were heard.

The first witness, a former FAM finance employee, testified remotely through the Gemanafushi Magistrate Court. He stated that Agil had access to FAM’s bank accounts and prepared the salary sheets. He explained that funds from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA were received in US dollars, while the Ministry of Sports provided funds in Maldivian rufiyaa.

The witness said that currency exchanges were not conducted through banks, but by different individuals at various times. When reconciling accounts, he would consult Agil if discrepancies or missing transaction details were identified.

According to the prosecution, Agil was involved in facilitating the purchase of an apartment at Amin Avenue for Bassam using FAM funds. This allegedly included preparing a cheque for MVR 15.4 million, which was deposited into Amin Construction. The transaction was accompanied by a document, allegedly falsified and signed before the FAM received the funds in rufiyaa.

The witness also stated that Bassam received a living allowance of USD 3,000, which later increased to USD 5,000 around 2020 or 2021, though the payments became inconsistent due to financial issues.

The second witness was Bassam’s brother-in-law, who confirmed both familial and professional ties. He said he worked as a purchasing manager for businesses run by Bassam, including a restaurant and salon, and was involved in various financial transactions with him.

The third witness, a launch operator, stated that he organised transport for FAM-related travel, including personal and official trips for Bassam. He said most bookings were made through the FAM.

The prosecution also alleges that on 26 August 2018, Bassam deposited USD 10,000 from a FIFA fund into his personal account. It is further claimed that part of this amount was used to pay rent for a Rehendu apartment and to fund Glacier Investments, a business connected to Bassam and his wife.

The judge adjourned the hearing after deciding that the defence would present two of Bassam’s witnesses at the next scheduled session, which is set for 29 June.