The Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee) held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday to discuss the report concerning the attempted smuggling of cigarettes via a vessel operated by The Hawks, a leading fuel importer, in October last year.
Committee Chair and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem confirmed that the committee resolved to submit the report to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The motion to close the meeting was proposed by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid and seconded by Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. The decision was passed unanimously.
The case stems from a raid conducted by Maldives Customs on the night of October 24, 2024, during which 200 master cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes were discovered aboard The Hawks Javaahiru, a foreign-going vessel. The shipment had not been declared on the vessel’s manifest and was offloaded at the jetty of The Hawks’ boatyard in K. Thilafushi, before being smuggled into the country.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, The Hawks denied any corporate involvement, describing the act as a “crime” committed by individuals acting independently. The company stated that it had suspended the implicated employees and was cooperating fully with Customs and police. It also emphasized that it has no involvement in nor any interest in the tobacco trade, and had launched an internal investigation.
Parliament's National Security Services Committee (241 Committee) convenes for a meeting on April 14, 2025. (Photo/People's Majlis)
The police are investigating the case under Article 97 of the Maldives Customs Act and Article 53 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act. The incident occurred just ahead of a legal reform that doubled import duty on cigarettes from November 1, 2024, aimed at curbing tobacco use.
In May, the Prosecutor General’s Office filed charges against three individuals in the Criminal Court. Twelve others signed plea agreements on May 4, admitting guilt. However, The Hawks was not charged due to insufficient evidence linking the company to the smuggling operation.
The 241 Committee has also raised concerns over Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen, alleging that he was seen visiting residences of The Hawks’ shareholders, prompting scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.