Prominent businessman Ahmed Arif (Aattey) and Apollo Holdings CEO Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali) have been arrested in connection with the theft of 13 million cigarettes from two containers seized by Maldives Customs Service.
According to a police statement, four individuals have been arrested for allegedly planning and executing the theft from containers stored at the Hulhumale' terminal. The suspects include two businessmen, a customs employee, and one other individual. While police did not officially name the businessmen, Sun identified them as Aattey and Dhigali.
Aattey previously contested the 2019 parliamentary elections for the B. Eydhafushi seat under the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), but later aligned with the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) during the last presidential election.
In more recent developments, Sun has learned that the two men have appealed to the High Court, which subsequently ordered their release.
In its judgment, the court noted that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had already investigated the two prior to the police probe. Taking into account the criminal records of Ahmed Arif and Mohamed Waheed, as well as the circumstances surrounding the case, the court concluded that the two did not pose a threat to society.
Meanwhile, police have imposed travel bans on 12 individuals and conducted searches of multiple vehicles and premises, though no further details have been disclosed.