Maldives Police Service has raided the headquarters of Football Association of Maldives (FAM) to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.
The association is alleged with misusing funds it received from international federations and associations. FAM is alleged with transferring said funds to the personal bank accounts of people it has close ties.
Mihaaru News has learned police launched the investigation on the order of Prosecutor General's Office.
Police are currently inspecting the FAM House located near Maafannu football stadium.
The crack down has come months after several parties have continuously alleged FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel of money laundering, gross mismanagement and corruption.
Police, however, have not provided any details regarding their investigation of FAM House.
In a statement, the Prosecutor General’s Office said it launched the investigation through the Police, following numerous allegations concerning financial mismanagement by senior officials at FAM. According to the PG Office, they have directed the investigation to focus on gathering evidence related to money laundering, graft, and corruption within the association.
The PG Office said Maldives maintained healthy relations with international associations, federations, and countries, and emphasized the need to ensure that Maldives maintains the trust of these foreign entities. The office further stated that in order to sustain this trust, it is imperative for the government agencies and commissions in Maldives to operate transparently, free from corruption and misconduct. The PG Office underlined that the integrity of these institutions is directly linked to national interest of the Maldives.
“Allegations that the funds or financial support provided by foreign countries and international agencies to the Maldives according to set protocols and conditions, being used in violation to the acts and regulations of the country that would enhance opportunities for criminal misconduct is a concerning issue for the Prosecutor General,” the PG Office said.
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