MP Ghafoor: Customs Theft Surged Under Current Administration

MP for Hanimaadhoo constituency Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, has alleged that corruption within the Maldives Customs Service has escalated significantly under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration, claiming that numerous containers have been illegally cleared and removed from the premises.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "TV Talk" program, MP Ghafoor alleged that since President Muizzu’s administration took office, corruption within Maldives Customs Service has reached unprecedented levels, with shipping containers being illegally smuggled out of the premises. He further noted that in the rare instances where such containers are intercepted, the cases fail to progress, leaving their ultimate status unknown.

He alleged that while Customs faces serious accusations, these actions constitute major crimes carried out in collusion with the government.

By my estimates, numerous containers have been smuggled out illegally. Furthermore, there has been no progress in the investigation regarding the two seized containers. No action has been taken concerning those two 40-foot containers, nor has there been any advancement in the cases against those involved in smuggling cigarettes. Therefore, I believe these activities are being facilitated through collusion and illicit payoffs.

Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, Member of Parliament for the Hanimaadhoo constituency.

Addressing the issue of cigarette imports, MP Ghafoor stated that approximately two billion Rufiyaa in estimated customs revenue remains unaccounted for, despite cigarettes being imported into the country at regular rates. He emphasized that an investigation is necessary to determine the whereabouts of these funds.

The state is failing to collect its due revenue. Where did these two billion rufiyaa go? The population of the Maldives is certainly growing, even if only by a small margin. Furthermore, the number of people smoking cigarettes or consuming other goods has not decreased. Therefore, there is no reason why annual revenue projections should fall short by such massive amounts—two or three billion—under normal circumstances. It is only now that oil prices are rising due to the outbreak of war, but that was not the case in this country last year. Yet, the records clearly show a shortfall of approximately two billion rufiyaa in customs revenue.

Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, Member of Parliament for the Hanimaadhoo constituency.

Furthermore, MP Ghafoor stated that despite the government's ban on vaping products, they continue to be smuggled into the country. He noted that while Customs occasionally seizes such containers, the authorities lack the capacity to monitor the situation through an effective system.

MP Ghafoor stated that the ban on vaping has resulted in the emergence of a black market, allowing certain individuals to reap significant profits outside of the state’s regulatory framework.

MP Ghafoor stated that the government is failing to prioritize essential actions when implementing measures and is proceeding without a proper plan.