TT forging suspect sacked after political post

Hussain Shifau, who was earlier charged with forgery for using doctored telegraphic transfer (TT) to import goods for illicit gains, has been dismissed from his political post on Thursday.

The current administration appointed Shifau as a political director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.

President's Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed Shifau's termination to 'Sun', but did not disclose the details of his dismissal.

Shifau was arrested on April 28, 2023 for his suspected forgery. But was later released on May 27 after the court held he did not pose any danger to the society.

Although the Prosecutor General's Office appealed the case on the same date, he had fled the country after which Interpol issued a Red Notice for his hunt in August last year.

PG Office later reported Shifau flew back to Maldives following Interpol's Red Notice was issued. Despite an arrested warrant on his name, authorities simply issued a travel ban on him.

The office also said the monetary sum in the forgery case amounted to USD 123,844.54 (MVR 1.9 million).

PG had pressed a total of 23 charges, and further sought to claim the money from Shifau. He faced nine counts of forgery, seven counts of forgery and seven more counts of money laundering.

A conviction of these charges will result in a minimum of 38 years in jail.