Suspects in theft of 13 million cigarettes remanded

All individuals arrested in connection with the theft of over 13 million cigarettes from the Hulhumalé International Port have been remanded in custody, as the case continues to expose deepening links between criminal activity and public office.

The cigarettes, stored in two 40-foot containers under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), were part of a large seizure by the Maldives Customs Service. The theft occurred on 26 April 2025, but was not reported until October 9, raising further questions about oversight and possible collusion within enforcement agencies.

Initially, police withheld the identities of those arrested, prompting public criticism and media scrutiny. In response, authorities later disclosed the names of the four suspects; 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, native to Vaikaradhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll, a serving senior Customs officer.

Following their court appearances, the Criminal Court ordered Ahmed Arif and Zivaar Ismail to be detained for 15 days, Mohamed Waheed for 10 days, and Muaz Ali for five days.

The involvement of senior figures from both the public and private sectors has intensified scrutiny. Muaz Ali, currently a senior manager at state-owned MIFCO, has already been flagged by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in a separate case involving alleged bribery over the importation of 430 cases of cigarettes. ACC has formally requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to pursue charges against him.

Ahmed Arif’s political ties have further heightened the sensitivity of the case. As a prominent businessman and close associate of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Arif played an active role in the presidential campaign, working under the banner of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to help secure the current administration's victory.

Further, Waheed is the uncle of Cabinet Secretary and Bank of Maldives (BML) Chairman Ahmed Ali Habeeb, who previously worked at Apollo before his appointment to the Cabinet. He is also the brother-in-law of Finance Minister Moosa Zameer and Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Chairman Ahmed Niyaz.

According to a statement issued by the police, 12 individuals have been placed under travel bans, and multiple vessels and locations connected to the operation have been searched. The stolen shipment, which included 1,360 cases, equivalent to approximately 13.6 million cigarettes, was expected to generate over MVR 100 million in import duties for the state.

The case has raised serious concerns about systemic corruption and the integrity of customs enforcement, port security, and high-level political connections. As the investigation unfolds, the public continues to demand accountability and transparency in what is shaping up to be one of the largest smuggling-related scandals in recent memory.