Ex-FAM finance head extradited, remanded over embezzlement

Mohamed Ageel, the former head of finance at the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), has been extradited to the Maldives and remanded in custody in connection with an embezzlement case linked to the association.

Ageel was arrested in Bangkok, Thailand, and returned to the Maldives last week after legal proceedings against him were delayed due to his absence from the country. He was detained by Thai authorities in late January over a visa matter. As an Interpol Red Notice had been issued, he was handed over to the Maldives Police Service by the Royal Thai Police.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said Ageel was brought back to the Maldives on 21 February and produced before the Criminal Court the following day under police custody. Prosecutors requested that he be remanded pending the conclusion of the trial. The court granted the request and ordered his detention from 22 February until the end of proceedings.

Ageel faces a charge of aiding and abetting money laundering in a case involving former FAM president Bassam Adeel Jaleel. The state alleges that association funds were used to purchase an apartment from Amin Construction. The case against Ageel had been suspended earlier as his whereabouts were unknown.

In the same case, the Criminal Court sentenced Bassam to 23 years in prison on 6 January. The court ruled that the charges against Amin Construction were not proven.

According to the prosecution, the MVR-equivalent of USD 1 million involved in the case formed part of a USD 1.9 million COVID-19 relief loan provided by FIFA to FAM to support local football clubs during the pandemic. Bassam and Amin Construction have stated that payments for the apartment were made before the association received the loan.