Justice on Hold: Fraud Trials Against Zaidhan Mohamed Hashim Face Years of Delays
More than three years after being formally charged with fraud, Maldivian national Zaidhan Mohamed Hashim has yet to face trial, raising concerns over ongoing delays in the country’s judicial system.
Over 1,100 Days Without a Full Hearing
Zaidhan was first charged on April 7, 2022, in connection with a case involving a hardware store named Homework in Hulhumalé. Authorities allege that he fraudulently obtained goods worth MVR 147,181 by submitting falsified payment slips. The Prosecutor General’s Office filed two counts of fraud against him at the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court.
Despite the passage of over 1,140 days, the case remains stuck at the preliminary hearing stage. The Prosecutor General’s Office has confirmed that multiple hearings were cancelled due to Zaidhan’s repeated absences and the court’s failure to deliver summons effectively. A hearing scheduled for this week was also postponed.
Each fraud charge carries a potential prison sentence of one year, seven months, and six days if convicted.
Additional Fraud Charges Pending in Criminal Court
Zaidhan’s legal troubles do not end there. In December 2023, he was charged with deceiving a Bangladeshi national, Rob Matuba, by falsely promising to exchange currency. Zaidhan allegedly sent a fake transfer slip for USD 1,500 (MVR 28,450). That case was filed at the Criminal Court, but only one hearing has taken place so far.
Recent Arrest Over New Fraud Allegations
Earlier this week, Zaidhan was arrested again in yet another fraud case. This time, police accuse him of placing over 30 fake food orders with Foodies Delivery, using fabricated payment slips to avoid payment for meals worth more than MVR 9,000. He is currently in 15-day remand custody while the investigation continues.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, no other active cases are pending against Zaidhan at this time.
A Growing Pattern and a Delayed Response
The mounting number of fraud allegations against Zaidhan—combined with his failure to attend court hearings—has placed a spotlight on the inefficiencies within the Maldivian judicial process. Legal experts and citizens alike are questioning how one individual can continue to evade legal proceedings for such an extended period.
The case also raises broader concerns about the enforceability of court summons, the need for reforms in trial scheduling, and the challenges in delivering timely justice.
As Zaidhan’s cases continue to drag through the system, the question remains: How long can justice be delayed before it is denied?