109-Year Convict Hussain Shifau Transferred to House Arrest on Medical Grounds

Convicted fraudster Hussain Shifau, who is serving the longest single prison sentence in Maldivian legal history, has been temporarily transferred from prison to house arrest on medical grounds, Homeland security, technology and labour Minister Ali Ihusaan has confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Ihusaan stated that the transfer was permitted under provisions of the Prisons Act that allow prisoners to be placed under home confinement in specific circumstances.

The Minister explained that such provisions apply when necessary medical treatment cannot be provided within a prison facility or when a physician recommends that treatment be administered at a particular location.

“The individual in question has currently been transferred home for one month due to a medical issue, with the provision that an additional two months will be granted if his medical condition does not recover,” Minister Ihusaan said.

He added that authorities would strictly monitor Shifau’s compliance with the conditions imposed during his time under house arrest, warning that any breach of those conditions would result in his immediate return to prison custody.

Shifau was arrested in 2023 after authorities alleged that he used forged telegraphic transfers (TTs) through his business, Kingdom of Fruits, to obtain goods worth approximately MVR 1.9 million from local and foreign parties.

The prosecution subsequently filed 23 charges against him, including nine counts of issuing forged documents, seven counts of fraud, and seven counts of money laundering.

In December last year, the Criminal Court found Shifau guilty on all charges and sentenced him to a combined 109 years, 10 months, and 24 days in prison, along with an MVR 7 million fine. The prison sentence comprises:

• 70 years for money laundering
• 30 years for fraud
• 9 years for issuing forged documents

Before the trial concluded, the prosecution had sought a plea agreement that would have resulted in a reduced sentence. However, the Criminal Court rejected the proposed agreement, finding that it did not adequately reflect the full facts and gravity of the offences.

Shifau had previously served as Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare under the current administration. He was later dismissed after allegations against him surfaced in local media.

Following his initial arrest in 2023, Shifau was released temporarily by court order and subsequently travelled overseas. He was later re-arrested upon returning to the Maldives after an Interpol Red Notice had been issued seeking his apprehension.

Authorities have affirmed that his current transfer to house arrest is strictly temporary and remains subject to compliance monitoring and ongoing medical review.