Cigarette theft case: Abdul Rahman suspected of aiding completion of major Customs heist
His detention order cites the existence of sufficient evidence indicating his involvement in facilitating the removal of the two containers
Hassan Abdul Rahman arrested in connection with the theft of two containers of cigarettes
It has come to light that the fifth individual arrested in connection with the large-scale theft of over 13 million cigarettes from two containers seized by the Maldives Customs Service, who has been identified as 52-year-old Hassan Abdul Rahman from Thulusdhoo island of Kaafu atoll, was detained on suspicion of assisting in the successful completion of the theft.
According to court documents, Abdul Rahman, currently residing at Apollo Tower in Hulhumalé, is suspected of aiding in successfully carrying out the heist.
His detention order cites the existence of sufficient evidence indicating his involvement in facilitating the removal of the two containers, which contained cigarettes valued at over MVR 100 million in potential import duties. Abdul Rahman is the first suspect in this case to be ordered into custody until the conclusion of his trial.
Others previously arrested in the case include businessman Mohamed “Dhigali” Waheed, Lotus owner Ahmed “Aattey” Arif, MIFCO General Manager Muaz Ali, and Customs Superintendent Zivaar Ismail. Authorities have also imposed travel bans on 12 individuals and suspended six employees of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) as investigations continue.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has confirmed that the two containers of cigarettes, that were initially seized by Maldives Customs on 26 April 2025, were stolen while being held under MPL supervision at the Hulhumalé International Port. The theft was reported to police on 9 October 2025.
In a subsequent search operation conducted on 19 October 2025, investigators examined several locations in Thilafushi, where parts of the stolen containers were recovered and taken into custody.
The stolen goods comprised 1,360 cases, amounting to roughly 13.6 million cigarettes. Authorities estimate that the government would have collected more than MVR 100 million in import duties from the shipment.
The case has raised serious questions about systemic lapses in oversight and coordination between Customs and MPL, as the investigation continues to uncover new layers of alleged complicity within multiple institutions.
