Fifth suspect in cigarette theft case identified, remanded pending sentencing

The fifth individual arrested in connection with the high-profile theft of two containers of cigarettes from the Maldives Customs Service has been publicly identified and remanded until the conclusion of trial proceedings.

Police confirmed that 52-year-old Hassan Abdul Rahman native to Thulusdhoo island of Kaafu atoll, was arrested on the night of 21 October 2025. Following a remand hearing, the court ordered that he remain in custody until the trial ends.

This arrest comes amid ongoing investigations into the theft, which occurred on 26 April 2025, at the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Hulhumalé International Terminal. Despite the scale of the crime, the case was not reported to authorities until October 9, raising persistent concerns about the delay and possible internal negligence or collusion.

As part of the investigation, police conducted a search operation in Thilafushi on October 19, where multiple locations were examined. Parts of the stolen containers were recovered and taken into police custody.

The list of individuals arrested so far includes high-profile names: Muaz Ali, General Manager of MIFCO; Ahmed “Aattey” Arif, owner of Lotus Shop; Mohamed “Dhigali” Waheed, owner of Apollo Holdings; and Zivaar Ismail, Superintendent of Customs. With the addition of Hassan Abdul Rahman, the total number of arrests stands at five.

Authorities have also suspended several employees from both the Maldives Customs Service and MPL, with 12 individuals placed under travel bans as the investigation progresses. Despite these measures, critics argue that accountability remains selective.

The case, described as the largest theft of its kind in recent history, continues to raise alarm over institutional failures and possible corruption. Opposition parties allege deeper involvement by figures within the current administration and accuse the government of attempting to steer the investigation in a politically motivated direction.