Bassam Moved Back to Prison Within 24 Hours of Home Relocation

Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been returned to prison less than 24 hours after being temporarily transferred to his residence following surgery, amid mounting public criticism over the move.

According to a media official at the Maldives Correctional Service, Bassam was initially transferred to his home on medical advice after undergoing surgery. The official stated that the decision was made in accordance with established procedures for inmates requiring post-operative care.

However, authorities later confirmed that arrangements had been made for Bassam to receive necessary medical treatment within the prison system, leading to his transfer back into custody. 

The Correctional Service reiterated that its actions were guided by existing regulations. The brief relocation to house arrest drew widespread criticism on social media, prompting scrutiny of the decision.

Bassam is currently serving multiple sentences related to financial crimes. He was convicted of embezzling funds from FAM, including the misuse of approximately USD 1.2 million to purchase a penthouse apartment on Amin Avenue. The Criminal Court sentenced him to a combined 32 years in prison for offences including fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement, along with a fine of MVR 44 million.

Additional cases involving alleged misappropriation of FAM funds remain pending before the courts.