Today, the Criminal Court initiated the trial of Hassan Mamdooh (Mande), who is accused of extorting money from numerous individuals by promising the sale of flats at K Park Residence.
Today, the Criminal Court initiated the trial of Hassan Mamdooh (Mande), who is accused of extorting money from numerous individuals by promising the sale of flats at K Park Residence.
Mamdooh, a shareholder in Hanbo Company, the developer of K-Park, is facing over 100 charges related to extorting money in exchange for flats. These charges include 50 counts of tax evasion, 50 counts of fraud, three counts of issuing fraudulent documents, and one count of money laundering. This represents the highest number of charges against a single individual in the Maldives.
In addition to Mamdooh, Raa Atoll Alifushi Kinara Jaishan Saeed faces 95 charges in the case. Both men were jointly tried in the Criminal Court today. During the hearing, they requested time to appoint legal representation.
Judge Ali Nadeem, presiding over the case, stated that if the accused cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the state will provide one at its expense.
Both defendants expressed their intention to hire their own lawyers.
Judge Nadeem granted a maximum of 10 days to secure legal representation. If they fail to do so by the next hearing, the trial will proceed without their lawyers.
The case was initiated following a complaint from another Hanbo Company shareholder, who alleged that Mamdooh had taken money from multiple individuals. Mamdooh was subsequently arrested, and the police seized valuables, bags, perfume, and an expensive apartment registered in his name.
Mamdooh is currently out on bail. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison.