The Criminal Court has stated that evidence has been presented to the extent that Muaz Ali, General Manager of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), is believed to be involved in the theft of 13 million cigarettes that were under state custody. His detention has been extended by 10 more days as investigations continue.

The case involves two containers of cigarettes, 1,360 cases, or approximately 13.6 million sticks, seized by Maldives Customs and stored under the care of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) at the Hulhumalé International Port. The cigarettes were reported stolen in April 2025, though the case was only formally reported to police on October 9.

According to the court order, while Muaz’s legal team raised procedural concerns regarding his arrest during the initial hearing, the judge found no legal grounds to deem the arrest invalid. The court further noted that based on detailed submissions by police, there is sufficient cause for suspicion that Muaz was involved, despite the defense's claim that no direct link has been established.

This is not the first time Muaz Ali has come under scrutiny. In a separate case, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has already forwarded a request to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) to press charges against him for allegedly soliciting bribes in connection with the import of 430 cases of cigarettes.

In the current case, Muaz has been suspended from his position, along with Customs Superintendent Zivaar and six employees of MPL, as investigations unfold.

The police have confirmed that a total of 12 individuals are under travel bans related to the case. Multiple vessels and premises have been searched as part of a broader operation to recover the stolen goods and identify all parties involved.

The cigarettes, which had been officially seized and placed under government custody, were estimated to generate over MVR 100 million in import duties. The scale of the theft, combined with the involvement of high-level officials, has raised serious concerns about oversight, collusion and systemic failures within key state institutions.

While the police have withheld detailed updates on the ongoing investigation, they have stated that information will be made public as it becomes available. However, the significant delay in reporting the theft, nearly six months after the incident, adds yet another layer of concern regarding accountability and transparency in the handling of seized state assets.