Hearing of third case against Bassam on Sunday

The third case against former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) president Bassam Adeel Jaleel is scheduled to be heard on Sunday.

Bassam, who is serving a nine-year prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of embezzling FAM funds, is accused of misappropriating USD 1.2 million (approximately MVR 19 million) provided by FIFA.

Bassam is alleged to have used the funds to purchase a penthouse at Amin Avenue.

He faces charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with the case.

The most recent hearing was held on Tuesday, when Bassam’s lawyer requested additional time to submit a statement, citing delays in receiving documents. The prosecution, however, filed a summary statement at the hearing.

The Criminal Court said a verdict is scheduled for Sunday, adding that the defence would be given an opportunity to raise any further points before the verdict is delivered.

In addition to Bassam, Amin Construction Company and two other individuals have also been charged in the case.