Deputy Commissioners Abdulla Waheed and Mahmood Riyaz have been dismissed from the Maldives Customs Service in connection with two cases of illegal cigarette importation.

Both officials had served the Customs Service for more than 32 years, Abdulla Waheed was appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2024, while Mahmood Riyaz held the position since 2020. Reports indicate that neither official was given an opportunity to respond before their dismissal.

The dismissals follow an investigation by the People’s Majlis Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) into two separate incidents: one involving cigarette cartons illegally imported on an oil vessel owned by The Hawks Private Limited, and another involving cartons removed from a bonded warehouse without Customs’ knowledge, in violation of regulations.

In addition to the two Deputy Commissioners, three other Customs employees are set to face disciplinary action. The government has stated that all actions will be carried out in accordance with existing laws and customs procedures.

The swift dismissals have drawn attention to both accountability within the Maldives Customs Service and the handling of long-serving officials, raising questions about procedural fairness and transparency in addressing high-level misconduct.