The State has requested the maximum sentence from the Criminal Court against the former President of the Football Association of Maldives, FAM, Bassam Adil Jaleel, following his conviction for fraud and money laundering.
Bassam was found guilty of charges of fraud and money laundering on Sunday. A hearing was held today to discuss his sentencing, and the State requested the maximum possible sentence for the charges, which is 19 years in jail.
Bassan was found guilty of the charges filed against him because the vouchers issued to the FAM for the USD 1 million given to Amin Construction were deemed invalid.
It was also found that a check for currency change from USD to Dhivehi Ruffiya was not deposited into any of the accounts held by the FAM.
The state accused Bassam of using the $1.2 million given by FIFA to purchase two penthouses on Amin Avenue.
According to the lawsuit, the money was withdrawn from the FAM in the guise of currency change and deposited with Amin to buy the apartment.
Bassam was previously sentenced to 9 years in jail for other charges of fraud and money laundering.
