The trial against former MP Al'han Fahmy and two of his brothers began on Monday.

Prosecutor General (PG)'s Office brought forth charges against the brothers after their family company 'Kings Capital holdings' was flagged for running a Ponzi scheme and taking money from investment packages under King's Trading from 2021 to2022.

PG Offie said that 13 charges have been brought forward against Al'han and his siblings. According to PG Office, numerous individuals invested more than MVR 98 million in the scheme announced by the company under Forex trading.

Police is currently still conducting further investigations into this scheme and further charges may be brought forth once the investigations end.

Police previously also raided the company's office on a Court order and also seized Al'han's and mobile phone as well. Additionally, Bank of Maldives (BML) also froze the company's accounts but Civil Court ruled that the seizure of the accounts was illegal.

Al'han and his brothers - Shahban and Shazban - attended the hearing and requested from the Court to allow them to appoint a lawyer. While Al'han and Shahban requested a month to appoint a lawyer, Shazam requested two months.

During the hearing, the brothers pointed out their financial conditions. High Court Judge Ismail Shafeeu who is residing over the hearings noted that the brothers could opt to have a state appointed lawyer represent them. However, Al'han and his brothers told the Court they would prefer to appoint their own lawyers.

Justice Ismail Shafeeu then noted that as per the Code of Criminal Procedure, a maximum of 15 days can be allowed to appoint lawyers.