ACC Seeks Prosecution of Bassam in MMPRC Corruption Scandal

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has forwarded a case to the Prosecutor General's Office seeking criminal charges against former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) president Bassam Adeel Jaleel in connection with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal.

Following a joint investigation conducted by the ACC and Maldives Police Service, prosecutors have been asked to pursue money laundering charges against Bassam.

According to the ACC, the case relates to the embezzlement of state funds generated through the leasing of islands and lagoons under the MMPRC. Investigators found that USD 29,000 was transferred to Bassam's bank account through former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor from an account belonging to SOF Private Limited, a company used to collect funds linked to the MMPRC scheme.

The ACC alleges that Bassam used the money for personal purposes.

Investigators also found evidence suggesting Bassam was actively involved in transactions related to the sale and lease of islands and lagoons through MMPRC. The commission said he had signed as a witness on behalf of MMPRC in some agreements connected to the transactions.

The move comes as authorities continue efforts to expedite investigations into the MMPRC scandal. Earlier, immunity agreements granted to some individuals implicated in the case were revoked as part of the ongoing probe.

Bassam is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted in a separate corruption case involving the Football Association of Maldives.