Police have revealed new details about the theft of 13 million cigarettes from two containers seized by Maldives Customs, describing the operation as highly coordinated and financially significant.
The containers, held at the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) terminal in Hulhumale', were stolen on April 26. Investigators found that identical containers had been prepared and placed, and the boat used in the theft had its name and registration number altered.
The containers were reportedly loaded onto a boat and later destroyed in Thilafushi after offloading the cigarettes. Police recovered parts of the containers from a site on the island.
Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Seven have been remanded pending trial:
Ahmed Arif (Aattey), 61, Owner of Lotus
Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), 65, Owner of Apollo Holdings
Zivar Ismail, 40, Senior Customs official
Muaz Ali, 48, Former Customs official, now GM at MIFCO
Adam Waheed, 57, Boat captain, Kenereege, N. Milandhoo
Ahmed Firushan, 35, MPL employee, H. Romania, Male'
Hassan Abdul Rahman, 52, Link, K. Thulusdhoo
The three suspects most recently arrested over the cigarette heist (From L-R): Ahmed Firushan, 35, H. Romania, Male' City, Hussain Samih, 35, Chaandhanee, Addu City’s Hithadhoo and Ahmed Shameem, 42, Nooraleege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo
Two others were remanded for 16 days following a remand hearing on Saturday:
Hussain Samih, 35, Chaandhanee, Addu City Hithadhoo
Ahmed Shameem, 42, Nooraleege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo
Police said the arrests include individuals involved in planning, executing, and facilitating the theft. The agency has banned 19 people from leaving the country, searched five vehicles, and conducted raids at 21 locations across Male', Hulhumale', and Thilafushi.
Authorities are seeking public assistance and have urged anyone with information about the stolen cigarettes or the broader illegal importation network to contact Major Crime Investigation at 9911099.