The PG Office emphasized that those charged with participation in theft, due to their significant roles in orchestrating the crime, should face the same penalties as those directly involved in committing the theft.
Suspects implicated in the cigarette theft case
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has formally submitted charges to the Criminal Court against 10 individuals in connection with the theft of a large quantity of cigarettes stored at the Hulhumalé International Terminal.
The case stemmed from an attempted smuggling operation involving cigarettes seized by the Maldives Customs Service on 26 April 2025. The cigarettes had been illicitly brought into the Maldives.
The PG Office received the case from the police on December 3 and after reviewing the evidence, charges were officially filed with the Criminal Court on December 15.
Among those charged are Mohamed Waheed from Dhigali, B. Eydhafushi; Ahmed Aarif from MA. Everglory, and Muaz Ali from H. New Happiness. They face charges of conspiracy to commit theft and participation in theft.
Zivaar Ismail from Medhureege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo; Ahmed Shaheem from Nooraleege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo; and Ahmed Firusan have been charged with theft and conspiracy to commit theft.
Husain Samih from Chandhanee, S. Hithadhoo, and Adam Waheed from Canaryge, N. Miladhoo, are facing charges of theft. Hassan Abdulla Rahman from Link, K. Thulusdhoo, has been charged with participation in theft, as has Mohamed Al-Amin Mia from Bangladesh.
The PG Office also clarified that Mohamed Shareef, who had initially been implicated, will not face charges. Insufficient evidence was found to support a criminal conviction and his part of the case has been returned to the Police Service for further action.
The PG Office emphasized that those charged with participation in theft, due to their significant roles in orchestrating the crime, should face the same penalties as those directly involved in committing the theft.
Should the charges be proven, the PG Office intends to request the court impose the maximum penalty, considering the severity of the crime.
The charges have been filed under Article 211 of the Maldivian Penal Code for unlawful control over another person's property, Article 82 for conspiracy to commit theft, and Article 30 for participation in theft.
