A bill before the People’s Majlis would allow the state to seize assets believed to be proceeds of crime in limited circumstances where the suspect has died or fled before trial can be completed.
Fuvahmulah Medhu constituency MP Ali Fazad, who introduced the bill, told the Majlis that the measure is designed to prevent individuals from retaining or using wealth obtained through serious criminal activity when normal prosecution is no longer possible.
Under the draft provisions, assets could be confiscated only in three specific situations set out in what would become Article 74 of the relevant law. These include cases where the accused has died, has absconded and cannot be brought to trial, or where other special circumstances prevent prosecution from proceeding.
Even in those situations, the Prosecutor General would still need to apply to the High Court and obtain a court order before any seizure could take place.
Fazad said the purpose is to stop further enrichment from criminal proceeds and to close avenues for such assets to be used to generate additional wealth.
The bill received its third reading today after no other members sought to speak during the debate. A vote is expected later in the session.
The proposal forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the recovery of assets linked to serious crime in the Maldives.
