Muhammad Ageel, accused of complicity in embezzling funds given by FIFA, the world’s main football authority, to the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), and assisting in laundering that money, has been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand. Ageel, who formerly worked as head of FAM’s Financial Department, was arrested approximately a week ago while living in Bangkok after fleeing trial, according to information received. However, official authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding his arrest.

The state has charged Ageel with aiding and abetting money laundering. The charges were filed because he is accused of helping former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel purchase an apartment at Amin Avenue and facilitating Bassam’s laundering of money received from FIFA. Due to Ageel’s failure to appear at trial, his hearings have been suspended. Because of his non-appearance, the Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant to police in November last year to apprehend and bring him to court.

Notably, the main accused in this case, former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, has been convicted of embezzling FIFA funds and money laundering, and is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence. With Ageel’s arrest, it is believed his suspended trial will resume.