The trial of Mohamed Ageel, former finance head of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), and Hassan Waheed, who held various positions within the association, has commenced on charges of aiding and abetting money laundering.
The case centers on the alleged embezzlement of funds provided to the FAM by various sources and the misappropriation of foreign donations, in US dollars, into the accounts of the association's officials, individuals, and companies.
The preliminary hearing for Ageel and Hassan Waheed on the charge of aiding and abetting money laundering was held on Monday. Amin Construction is also a defendant in the case, though its trial has been adjourned by the court.
Ageel's lawyer was unable to attend Monday afternoon's hearing at the Criminal Court due to a prior summons for another case. Hassan's lawyer was present, and the session involved the exchange of documents between the two sides.
Ageel faces charges of aiding and abetting money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act. The Prosecutor General's Office (PG) previously asserted that Ageel assisted Bassam in acquiring Amin Avenue apartments and laundering money. This allegedly involved Bassam depositing USD 1 million from the FAM account to Amin Construction and fabricating a transaction, with a fabricated stamp and signature indicating FAM's receipt of the MVR equivalent at the bank rate before the money was actually received, to disguise it as a dollar exchange.
Hassan Waheed also faces charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act, stemming from the same apartment case.
FAM’s president Bassam Adeel Jaleel. (Photo/FAM)
Bassam has additionally been charged with embezzlement of FAM funds. The trial for some of the charges against Bassam has begun, with testimony already taken. If convicted, Bassam could face a significant prison sentence.
The last hearing in Bassam's case was scheduled for August 25 but was canceled due to his inability to attend owing to illness. The trial judge indicated an intent to hold another hearing this week.
Police allege that Bassam purchased two apartments using loans from the World Football Federation (FIFA), which were originally intended to support clubs in overcoming financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.