Bassam convicted in FIFA funds misuse case
The judge noted that the cheques related to the transactions were signed by Bassam, who is already in jail for other cases related to the FAM fraud.
Former president of the Football Association of Maldives, Bassam Adeeel Jaleel, has been convicted of embezzlement and money laundering in connection with funds donated by FIFA, which were used to purchase a penthouse apartment on Amin Avenue.
The case was heard at the Criminal Court on Sunday, where Judge Mohamed Misbah ruled that Bassam was guilty of embezzlement and money laundering.
The prosecution charged several defendants in connection with the case. Former FAM head of finance Mohamed Agil, from Fehikuri, GA. Gemanafushi, and Hassan Waheed, from M. Hirinaidhoo, were charged with aiding and abetting money laundering. Bassam was charged with embezzlement and money laundering, while Amin Construction Pvt Ltd was charged with aiding and abetting money laundering.
Evidence presented to the court showed that the FAM received MVR 15.4 million in cash following the transfer of USD 1 million to Amin Construction. The court was told that the cash was handed to Mohamed Agil and was not deposited into FAM accounts.
The judge noted that the cheques related to the transactions were signed by Bassam, who is already in jail for other cases related to the FAM fraud, and ruled that it was not credible for such a transaction to have taken place without his knowledge, particularly in relation to the purchase of property registered in his name.
The prosecution stated that the USD 1 million was part of a USD 1.9 million COVID-19 relief loan provided by FIFA to support football clubs during the financial downturn. However, Bassam and Amin Construction claimed that the apartment was paid for before the FAM received the loan.
The court has not yet decided on the remaining defendants. Proceedings were adjourned, as Hassan Waheed was not represented by legal counsel at Sunday’s hearing.
The lawsuit seeks USD 1 million in damages from Amin Construction. The state has also requested the forfeiture of two apartments occupied by Bassam.
