Maldives Police Service (MPS) has begun a criminal investigation into the financial transactions of the Football Association of the Maldives (FAM).
MPS launched the investigation on the orders of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) over alleged money laundering and fraud involving the transfer of funds from FAM to private accounts. Police officers have searched the FAM office with a court order.
The PGO stated that the integrity of the state should be ensured to maintain close relations with foreign countries and international organisations and the trust and confidence they have for Maldivian institutions. As such, the PGO ordered an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds given to the FAM by various parties. MPS is instructed to investigate any case of money laundering, theft, fraud, or any other criminal offence and file charges against those responsible.
Two members of the FAM executive committee recently resigned after citing various issues. They are Vice President Hussain Shafiu and Member Muaviyath Khaleel. Meanwhile, President of FAM Bassam Adeel Jaleel has denied the allegations of corruption and plans to run for a third term in office.