High Court admits appeal in Shifau’s fake TT case after record 109 year sentence

The High Court has accepted the appeal of Hussain Shifau, who was sentenced to 109 years in prison and fined MVR 7 million for sending counterfeit telegraphic transfers (TTs) to foreign companies.

Shifau was convicted on 23 charges filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO). Criminal Court Judge Ali Nadheem issued separate sentences totalling 109 years, along with a MVR 7 million fine. The verdict was delivered last December.

The appeal was filed in March. While the cases have now been formally registered at the High Court, it remains unclear when hearings will begin.

Although Shifau received a 109‑year sentence, the presiding judge had earlier ruled that the state could not order the forfeiture of the USD 123,000 he laundered.

Shifau had also been wanted in connection with a similar fake TT case in 2021. He was arrested on April 28, 2023, but fled the country after being released. Interpol later issued a red notice for him. His passport was confiscated when he returned to the Maldives.

Shifau was previously appointed Senior Political Director at the then‑Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, but was abruptly dismissed. He did not disclose the reason for his removal.