Waheed and Aarif conditionally released, cited as not actively involved in cigarette theft
Three suspects were conditionally released as they were not actively involved in the theft of seized cigarettes from MPL Hulhumalé International Terminal
Mohamed Waheed of Dhigali, B. Eydhafushi, and Ahmed Aarif of Ma. Ever Glory were implicated in the cigarette theft case
Mohamed Waheed of Dhigali, B. Eydhafushi, and Ahmed Aarif of Ma. Ever Glory have been conditionally released from detention following claims that they were not actively involved in the theft of cigarettes.
According to a statement from the Prosecutor General’s Office, on 26 April 2025, a large quantity of cigarettes that had been clandestinely imported into the Maldives and later seized by the Maldives Customs Service was stored in a container at the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Hulhumalé International Terminal when it was stolen.
The PG Office stated that it reviewed the detention status of those suspected in the case, considering their level of involvement, the potential charges and applicable penalties.
On Thursday, the PG Office submitted a request to the Criminal Court seeking the conditional release of Mohamed Waheed and Ahmed Aarif, who are suspected of planning the crime, as well as Hassan Abdulla Rahman of Link, K. Thulusdhoo, who is suspected of being responsible for the Thilafushi site where the stolen container was taken.
The court made its decision regarding their detention in line with PG Office’s request.
Waheed and Aarif were conditionally released on the grounds that, while they are suspected of plotting the crime, there is no evidence of their active involvement in the theft itself.
Hassan Abdulla Rahman was also conditionally released, as he was not considered a suspect in the active theft.
The PG Office further noted that Mohamed Shareef was not in detention when the case was submitted, and therefore his detention did not require review.
Those who remain in detention include Zivaar Ismail of Medhureege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo, Ahmed Shaheem of Nooraleege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo, Ahmed Firsan of H. Rumaania, Hussain Saamih of Chaandhaneege, S. Hithadhoo, Adam Waheed of Canaryge, N. Miladhoo, Bangladeshi national Mohamed Alamin Mia, and Muaz Ali of H. New Happiness.
After reviewing their detention, the PG Office found no reason to alter their status, stating that they are suspected of active involvement in the theft, with some also suspected of misusing their official capacity as state employees to commit the crime.
The two 40-foot containers illegally imported into the country contained 1,360 cases of cigarettes, amounting to 13.6 million sticks.
Customs reported that the duty for the seized brands, based on standard market prices, would amount to MVR 122 million.
