Ex-FIU head Athif permitted 5 days to present evidence

The former head of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives Monetary Authority, Athif Shakoor from M. Aasthana, who is facing charges of violating the money laundering laws of the nation, has been provided five days to present defensive evidence 

An investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) found Athif to be responsible for the lack of action on SOF Private Limited – despite its transactions being flagged for money laundering. The transaction was dated on November 25, 2014, and was calculated at MVR 59.45 million. 

Athif was charged with money laundering in late February 2020. He was charged for his failure to notify the authorities regarding suspicious financial activity in relation to the massive MMPRC scandal. Athif served as the head of the FIU from November 4, 2014, to June 21, 2015. 

In a hearing of the case today, the judge presiding over the case gave Athif five days to present defensive evidence in writing. After the process of Athif presenting the evidence in writing, a preliminary presentation of evidence before the pre-trial will be held after which the judge would decide to commence the trial in the case. 

Athif has previously denied the charges against him. Athif, if found guilty, could face a fine of MVR 100,000-500,000 and face a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years. Athif has previously said that he had proposed a plea deal to the state.