Two more arrested in massive 13 million cigarette theft case, including prominent business figures
Four suspects including prominent businessmen have been arrested in connection with the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes worth over MVR 100 million in import duties
A total of 1,360 cases of cigarettes were stolen from MPL
Two additional suspects, including prominent businessmen, have been arrested in connection with the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes from containers held under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) after being seized by the Maldives Customs Service.
The arrests bring the total number of individuals in custody to four, in what is being described as one of the most significant and brazen thefts in the country’s history. While the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has not publicly disclosed the identities of those arrested, credible sources have identified the suspects as owner of Apollo Mohamed “Dhigali” Waheed native to Eydhafushi island of Baa atoll; owner of Lotus Ahmed “Aattey” Arif native to the capital Malé City; a former Senior Superintendent at Customs and current General Manager of Engineering Projects at MIFCO Muaz Ali native to Malé; and Zivaar Ismail of Medhureege, Vaikaradhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll, a serving senior Customs officer.
One of the suspects, Muaz Ali, is also facing a separate request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to be charged over allegations of soliciting bribes in a case involving the import of 430 cases of cigarettes.
According to the police, the theft occurred on 26 April 2025, but was not officially reported until October 9. The stolen goods consisted of 1,360 cases, equivalent to approximately 13.6 million cigarettes, confiscated by Customs and stored at the MPL Hulhumalé International Terminal. Authorities estimate the stolen cigarettes would have generated over MVR 100 million in import duties.
Police have issued travel bans against 12 individuals believed to be connected to the case and have conducted multiple searches across various locations and vessels. Investigations and search operations were still ongoing as of Tuesday night.
This case has raised serious questions about internal oversight and security protocols at both the Maldives Customs Service and MPL, given the scale and sophistication of the theft.
