Bassam case hearing canceled due to Ageel arrest failure

Former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel's case hearing set for today regarding fraud and money laundering charges related to the alleged purchase of a penthouse using laundered FAM funds sent by FIFA has been cancelled.

Along with Bassam, charges have also been placed upon AMIN Construction Pvt. Ltd., former FAM Financial Department Head Mohamed Ageel (GA. Gemanafushi, Fehikuri), and Hassan Waheed (M. Hirinadhoo). The charges cover accusations of money laundering, and the misuse of funds from FIFA after it had been sent to FAM heads, parties related to the association and various company accounts.

Ageel is being charged with assisting in money laundering.

He had been ordered to appear for a court hearing yesterday, which he had failed to do. The hearing was also delayed due to Bassam refusing to wear prison attire, with the hearing not moving forward due to Ageel not making his appearance in court.

Yesterday, the presiding judge had issued an order for Ageel's arrest. However, Ageel failed to appear before the court for today's 8:15am hearing.

The Criminal Court stated that today's hearing had to be canceled due to Ageel not being arrested.

Bassam is serving a nine year prison sentence for money laundering and faces additional fraud and money laundering charges related to the alleged embezzlement of USD 1.2 million (over MVR 18 million) in FIFA funds.

The prosecution has charged Ageel with using FAM funds to acquire an Amin Avenue apartment and assisting Bassam in money laundering.

During the most recent hearing at the Criminal Court, Bassam's lawyers argued that the funds that Bassam had allegedly embezzled came from FIFA, and that under FIFA's regulations, the organisation’s permission would be required to investigate the case.

They maintained that national authorities cannot proceed without FIFA’s consent.

The judge, however, ruled that the case could continue. The prosecution is also pursuing separate cases against other former FAM officials and Amin Construction Company.

A penthouse purchased by Bassam on Amin Avenue in Hulhumale' has been seized by police since last year.