Court sentences Shifau to 109 years for fraud, money laundering
Shifau was charged in connection with importing goods from foreign companies through a business registered as Kingdom of Fruits.
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The Criminal Court on Thursday sentenced Hassan Shifau to a total of 109 years, 10 months and 24 days in prison and fined him MVR 7 million for sending invalid telegraphic transfers to foreign companies.
Shifau was charged in connection with importing goods from foreign companies through a business registered as Kingdom of Fruits with the Ministry of Economic Development. The prosecution said the offences were committed in collaboration with another individual and involved fraud in payments made to overseas suppliers.
The state filed 23 charges against Shifau, comprising nine counts of knowingly issuing invalid documents, seven counts of fraud and deception, and seven counts of money laundering. He was convicted on all charges.
At the sentencing hearing, Shifau requested a reduced sentence, seeking house arrest or a fine. He told the court that the victims could be repaid if he were not given a custodial sentence.
Defence counsel Abdulla Mifraz argued that Shifau should only be sentenced for money laundering and said imprisonment was not appropriate in the circumstances.
However, Judge Ali Nadeem said the charges were filed as separate cases and that sentences could be imposed for each offence. He noted that some of the charges carried higher penalties.
The court imposed the following sentences: nine years, 10 months and 26 days for the nine counts of issuing invalid documents; 30 years’ imprisonment for the seven counts of fraud; and 70 years’ imprisonment and a fine of MVR 7 million for the seven counts of money laundering.
The court also ordered compensation to be paid to the affected companies and directed that the fine be paid within one year.
According to the prosecution, Shifau committed the offences by producing and submitting invalid documents to show that payments had been made for goods purchased from foreign companies. The charges were filed on 27 April 2023.
The prosecution had earlier indicated its intention to pursue a plea agreement that would not require a prison sentence, but the court did not permit the arrangement.
