Bassam taken back to jail after criticism

Mar 17, 2026, 7:32 AM
Photo: Adhadhu

Photo: Adhadhu

Former President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Bassam Adeel Jaleel, was taken back to jail less than 24 hours after being transferred to house arrest.

Bassam, who was convicted of embezzling FAM funds to buy a luxury apartment, was temporarily transferred to his home after surgery on the medical advice of a doctor, according to the Maldives Correctional Service.

However, he was later transferred to jail after arrangements were made for him to be taken for treatment after surgery, the corrections said.

Bassam was transferred home indefinitely last night (March 16). Less than 24 hours later, he was transferred back to jail amid widespread criticism.

Bassem was charged with fraud and money laundering for using USD 1.2 million from the FAM to pay for a penthouse apartment on Amin Avenue. He was sentenced to 23 years in jail and fined MVR 44 million by the Criminal Court.

He was convicted of embezzlement of FAM funds and sentenced to four years in prison. He was also convicted of money laundering and sentenced to five years in prison. That brings his total prison sentence to 32 years.

There are more cases pending in court alleging that Bassam has embezzled FAM funds.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Abdulla Shahid arrested over alleged sexual assault

Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was arrested following allegations of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old. Police took Shahid into custody after searching his residence in Hulhumale'. Shahid has denied the claims, calling them a baseless attempt at political character assassination.

MDP submits resolution for referendum over Rasmale' deal

The MDP has submitted a resolution to the Maldivian Parliament seeking a public referendum on the Rasmalé project. The vote would decide whether to grant land to a UAE-based firm for a development allowing foreign residency. The party argues that the long-term implications for national interests require direct public consultation.

Court orders Adhadhu to surrender passwords for seized devices

The Criminal Court has ordered Adhadhu newsroom to provide passwords for four seized MacBooks following a police raid over the "Aisha" documentary. Data extraction must occur before a media commission representative to protect legal privilege. The court emphasized that any evidence gathered must remain confidential and specific to the case.

Rasmale' deal could end Maldivian identity: Jameel

Former VP Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed warns that leasing Rasmalé land to a UAE firm for 99 years threatens the Maldives' identity. He claims international law will force the nation to allow religious freedom and temples for foreign residents, effectively ending the country's status as a sovereign entity defined by a single religion.

Former Chairman of Dhiraagu passes away

Rilwan Shareef, the former Chairman of Dhiraagu and a veteran state official, has passed away while receiving treatment at IGMH. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a State Minister and held leadership roles at Villa Air and the Maldives Stock Exchange. Details regarding the cause of his death have not been disclosed.

Government workforce increased by 6500 in three years

The government workforce grew by 6,530 employees over the last three years, reaching a total of 55,466. This rapid recruitment has driven the national wage bill to a projected MVR 14.4 billion for next year. The current administration's hiring rate significantly outpaces the previous three-year period.

Rasmale' is an economic concept, says Salaf President

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Ibrahim, President of Jamiyyathul Salaf, clarified that the Rasmalé project is an economic concept rather than a plan to settle non-Muslims. He dismissed claims of religious concerns as political distortion, emphasizing that the area is intended for high-income residents with legal safeguards in place.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox