A former accounts officer of Art and Soul Limited has been sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for money laundering by High Court Judge, Justice Aruna Aluthge.

Nousheen Mezbeen Hussain was convicted of one count of theft, one count of obtaining property by deception and one count of money laundering.

Between 1st January and 31st May 2012, Hussain dishonestly appropriated $15,362.78 from Art and Soul Limited and between 8th  February and 2nd March 2012, she dishonestly obtained $1,772.10 from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.

Between 1st January and 31st May 2012, she laundered a total of $17,134.88 that was proceeds of crime, knowing that the money was derived or realised directly or indirectly from some form of unlawful activity.

Justice Aluthge sentenced Hussain to 18 months for theft, 2 years for obtaining property by deception and 3 years for money laundering. The court also imposed a fine of $1000. The sentences are to be served concurrently.