The Maldives Customs Service has publicised a list of 680 individuals and companies who collectively owe more than MVR 600 million in unpaid import duties, fines, and fees. This follows the enforcement of a new rule on October 16, requiring public disclosure of defaulters who have failed to settle dues above MVR 10,000, after formal notice and exhaustion of recovery procedures.
The list, published Saturday, features defaulters under categories including import duty evasion, customs fees, and violations of the Tobacco Control Act. Notably, many of the largest penalties relate to the illegal import of vapes and tobacco products.
Key highlights from the list:
- Sultans of the Seas Pvt Ltd tops the list, owing MVR 110 million, stemming from a 2010 duty fraud case upheld by the Supreme Court in 2020.
- The largest single fine (MVR 72 million) was issued over illegal vape imports.
- Exotic Enterprises owes MVR 47 million, and OCC Pvt Ltd owes MVR 10.5 million.
- 16 individuals owe more than MVR 10 million each, mostly due to tobacco-related violations.
Debt breakdown:
- 1 company owes more than MVR 100 million
- 15 entities owe between MVR 10–100 million
- 56 entities owe MVR 1–10 million
- 606 individuals and businesses owe less than MVR 1 million
Customs clarified that this list includes only those eligible for public disclosure under the new regulation. Others under investigation or pending court orders will be named later. As per protocol, names are published in two phases—initially on the Customs website, and after 15 days, in the Government Gazette and official social media. Once published in the Gazette, records cannot be withdrawn, even if dues are cleared.
This move is aimed at strengthening transparency and encouraging voluntary compliance, especially in light of growing revenue losses from repeat defaulters.