Customs has denied rumors that four million US dollars in physical cash transferred to Bank of Maldives by Thomas Cook India had gone missing.

Commissioner General of Customs Mohamed Junaid said that authorities had withheld the large amount of money since it was being transferred during the presidential election, which is a time when border control is strengthened.

Commissioner General Junaid detailed that two Indian nationals had attempted to bring in the USD 4 million inside two bags and that Maldives authorities at first were not notified where the money was coming from.

Junaid said that while the two Indian nationals later handed over the declaration forms, the money was withheld for further evaluation, since it was during the elections.

He also said the money has been handed over to the military after Customs completed its evaluation and that he has received information that people from Thomas Cook are coming to claim it.

Bank of Maldives Public Relations Manager Mohamed Saeed said that they are using international suppliers to bring in US dollars into Maldives and that their supplier is now working to clear the money from Customs.

He added that while the money has been withheld, BML branches and ATMs will continue to provide US dollars to customers.