A Bangladeshi national has been arrested on suspicion of stealing cigarettes from two containers stored at the Hulhumalé International Terminal. The suspect, 36-year-old Mohamad Alamin Mia, was taken into custody on November 12.

When he was presented before the Criminal Court for a remand hearing, the court ordered that he remain in custody until the conclusion of the trial. The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated that a total of 10 individuals have been arrested so far as the investigation continues.

Those previously arrested include individuals accused of planning and leading the theft operation, others who participated directly in the theft, crew members of the vessel used to transport the stolen containers, and additional suspects implicated at various stages of the operation.

Some individuals linked to the case have also been placed under travel bans. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have searched several vessels and conducted operations in multiple locations across Malé, Hulhumalé, and Thilafushi.