Shifau released after seizing passport
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 38 years in prison, but the case is still in preliminary stages.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Hussain Shifau, who left Maldives after being charged with 23 counts of fraud, money laundering and knowingly issuing fake documents, has been released after his passport was seized.
Shifau came to Maldives late last month after a red notice was issued for him for failing to appear in court and fleeing justice.
Prosecutor General's (PG) Office spokesperson, Public Prosecutor Ahmed Shafiu told Atoll Times on Thursday:
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He was arrested after his passport was confiscated when he arrived in Maldives late last month
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However, the court has now released him on conditions
Shifau is accused of importing goods of foreign companies through 'Kingdom of Fruits', a business registered with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in collaboration with another person.
In this case:
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April 27 - The prosecution files 23 charges against him in the Criminal Court
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28 April - Arrested on felony charges
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27 May - He left Maldives after being released by the court
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29 August - Interpol issues a red notice for him
According to the prosecution charges against Shifau, he committed the crime by creating and submitting invalid documents to show that he had paid for items purchased by various companies abroad.
The amount of money involved in the case is:
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More than USD 123,800
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That’s more than USD 1.9 million
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The Criminal Court has asked the state to recover the money
The 23 charges against Shifau are:
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Nine counts of deliberately issuing an invalid document
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Seven counts of fraud and deception
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Seven counts of money laundering
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 38 years in prison.
The trial of 23 charges against him has not yet started. The case is still in its preliminary stages.
