Bassam Faces Charges for Using Pandemic Relief Funds to Buy Luxury Apartments

The Maldives Police Service have sought criminal charges against Bassam Adeel Jaleel, former president of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), for allegedly using funds meant for football clubs during the Covid-19 pandemic to purchase luxury apartments. 

The funds, provided by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), were intended to offer financial relief to clubs struggling during the pandemic.

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Chief Superintendent of Police Hassan Shifau, head of the Major Crime Investigations unit, stated during a press briefing on Wednesday that the police have formally requested charges against Bassam and others involved, submitting their findings to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO).

According to the investigation, Bassam embezzled USD 1 million from a FIFA loan of USD 1.9 million and used over MVR 3 million from FAM’s accounts to purchase two apartments in the Amin Avenue luxury complex. Payments were made to Amin Construction, the developer of the complex, in three instalments.

Investigators revealed that a fake paper trail was created to make it appear as if an equivalent amount in Maldivian Rufiyaa had been transferred to FAM’s account to replace the embezzled funds. The police have asked for charges to be brought against Bassam, Amin Construction, FAM’s former finance head, Mohamed Aqeel, and Hassan Waheed, another former FAM official. The accused face allegations of embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.

Bassam, who was suspended by FIFA in June 2024 for nine months amid these allegations, continues to deny the charges. However, he remains under investigation for further cases of corruption within FAM.

HDC Repossesses FAM Football School Land Over Unpaid MVR 8 Million Rent

In addition to these charges, Bassam’s tenure has left FAM in significant debt. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has repossessed land allocated to FAM for the development of a football school due to the association’s failure to pay rent. 

FAM reportedly owes HDC MVR 8 million in unpaid rent. FIFA has since appointed a normalisation committee to address the financial and administrative disarray at FAM, following multiple fraud allegations under Bassam’s leadership.

Amin Construction Implicated in FAM Corruption Case; Police Seek Fraud and Money Laundering Charges

Amin Construction, a prominent local company, is also facing charges of fraud and money laundering for its role in the transaction. 

Police claim the company attempted to conceal the fact that FAM funds were used to purchase the apartments by forging documents to suggest the funds were exchanged for Maldivian Rufiyaa.

The Prosecutor General’s Office is expected to review the case and decide on the formal charges in the coming weeks.