Bassam's trial ends, verdict next

Criminal Court today has completed the trial stages of fraud and money laundering charges against former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel.

Bassam is alleged to have transferred USD 10,000 from funds FIFA had deposited to FAM's account in 2018 to his own account after submitting documents to the bank. As the amount was deposited after deducting bank charges, USD 9,999 was deposited to Bassam's account. 

Bassam was charged with fraud and money laundering in that case.

During the hearing today, prosecution said while the evidence confirms that the funds given by FIFA to FAM was to be spent on FAM's activities, financial decisions would fall on Bassam during his time as FAM President. Prosecution had also said that the evidence points to Bassam using said funds for personal matters.

Bassam said that the funds was for Dollar sales. However, the equivalent amount in MVR for the said funds has still not been received by FAM, it cannot be seen as a case of Dollar sales.

Prosecution said that since all elements pointing to a fraud are met in this case, the charges have been proven against Bassam.

Prosecution also said that evidence pertaining to money laundering charges is present, since this is a situation where it is unclear whether Bassam had used FAM's funds. The Prosecution went on to say that Bassam had differing statements when talking about various transactions.

Bassam's lawyer Zubair Mohamed stated that Bassam told him the funds he had acquired were not through criminal activity

Zubair said there was no reason to believe Bassam had acquired the funds through criminal means, nor any circumstances to suggest so. He added that the amount in question was a small portion of what FAM owed to Bassam. Zubair also noted there was no evidence that Bassam himself had prepared the documents used to withdraw the funds.

The defense argued that there is no evidence that Bassam had prepared the withdrawal documents, nor was there any evidence that Bassam was a part of the withdrawal process. Zubair said the funds was the allowance that Bassam was to receive in his capacity as FAM President. Zubair also said the allocation of the allowance as a lump sum would occur occasionally, as per witness statements.

Zubair went on to say that FAM hadn't complained about the loss of funds at the time. He also said that both charges should be proven.

Presiding Judge Ismail Shafeeu had some questions for Bassam before the hearing ended. The judge issued a reminder that if he didn't want to answer any of the questions, the opportunity to do so would still be available.

The judge questioned Bassam whether Dollar sale transactions had occurred between him and FAM. Bassam answered saying that those transactions had occurred in the past. However, he stated that he has no recollection regarding the transaction amounts.

"There are times where Dollars have been bought, but I cannot recall the exact amount and exactly when," said Bassam.

When the judge asked Bassam how the transactions were conducted, he stated that it would be carried out by FAM's finance department.

The judge questioned whether the two charges amounted to the same offence, noting that fraud is established under the law through the use of the money, while the money laundering charge also alleged that the money had been used.

Prosecution said that funds obtained through fraud and money laundering are two different crimes.

Once both sides had their say, the judge announced the conclusion to the hearings. The judge also announced that the court would decide the day of the verdict.

As per the Criminal Procedure Act, sentencing should be carried out 30 days after hearings have ended. 

Bassam also has an additional case of money laundering and corruption against him, also involving FAM funds. The trial for these charges are being held separately.

In addition, the penthouses that Bassam had purchased have been seized by the Police under court order.