Court rules Amin Construction charges meet civil standard in FAM case

The Criminal Court has ruled that the charges against Amin Construction in a corruption case involving the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) meet the civil standard.

Former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been charged with using the association’s funds to purchase an apartment at Amin Avenue. The case also includes Mohamed Agil of Fehikuri/GA. Gemanafushi, Hassan Vahid of M. Hirinaidhoo, and Amin Construction Pvt Ltd. All three are charged with aiding and abetting money laundering.

Earlier, the court had paused proceedings related to Amin Construction, stating that it would review how to move forward since the case involved both individual and corporate defendants. In August, the hearing was adjourned, and a separate session for Amin Construction was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. today.

According to a court official, presiding Judge Mohamed Misbah ruled at Tuesday's hearing that the evidence should be assessed under civil standards and that the charge should remain under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Court. The judge further stated that all defendants appear to have equal involvement, and therefore the proceedings will continue jointly.

Amin Construction denied the charges during the hearing. The state has also filed a claim seeking MVR 1 million in damages from the company. In addition, the prosecution has requested that the state take possession of two apartments linked to Bassam Adeel Jaleel.

Investigations are ongoing into several alleged cases of embezzlement involving funds provided to FAM by various parties. Bassam Adeel Jaleel is currently serving a four-year prison sentence in a separate case related to the misappropriation of FAM funds.