Shifau moved to house custody while challenging 109-year conviction

Hussain Shifau, who received the 109-year sentence and MVR 7 million fine for issuing forged TTs to foreign companies, has now been moved to house custody.

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) filed a total of 23 charges against Shifau. On December 18, the Criminal Court sentenced him to 109 years in prison and imposed a MVR 7 million fine.

Home Minister Ali Ihusaan told reporters at the President’s Office on Tuesday that Shifau was released under house arrest for medical treatment. He said the initial period of release is one month, and the duration will be extended if Shifau’s condition does not improve.

“The Prisons Act stipulates circumstances where a person can be temporarily transferred home. These include situations where treatment cannot be provided inside prison or when a medical professional recommends home-based care for a specific period. The person may be sent for treatment in a way he can be monitored,” Ihusaan said.

Although Shifau was sentenced to 109 years, the lower court ruled that the state could not be ordered to forfeit the USD 123,000 he laundered because authorities could not determine the current location of the funds.

Shifau previously served as Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare before being abruptly dismissed. A senior spokesperson at the President’s Office confirmed his removal but did not disclose the reason.