The Prosecutor General's (PG) Office has tried to save a man facing a life sentence on various charges for using fake telegraphic transfer (TT) receipts to purchase and import goods from foreign companies.
Hussain Shifau was "mistakenly" appointed as a senior political director in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare early last year. He was fired after the media reported on the allegations.
Shifau faces at least 38 years in prison if convicted. It was revealed during a hearing on Thursday that the PG Office made a plea deal with him to commute the jail sentence to 88 days.
Despite the PG Office reaching a plea deal, the presiding judge decided to reject it.
Under the deal, the PG Office agreed to withdraw 16 of the 23 charges against Shifau. The charges of money laundering and knowingly issuing an invalid document were withdrawn.
Shifau agreed to plead guilty to seven counts of fraud with just 88 days in prison and a fine of MVR 184,600.
This meant that Shifau, who was remanded in custody pending trial, will be released even if found guilty because he had already been in prison for more than 88 days.
The PG Office could not be reached for comment.
Shifau was appointed to a political position in President Mohamed Muizzu's government despite an Interpol notice for his arrest.
The 37-year-old man was importing fruits and vegetables into the Maldives by showing fake TT receipts and had evaded arrest when the allegations were raised.
The total amount involved in the case is USD 123,844.54 (MVR) 1,909,682). The PG Office has filed a petition in the court seeking recovery of the money.
