ACC Seeks Prosecution of Former Customs Official Over Tobacco Bribery Case

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has submitted a case to the Prosecutor General’s Office seeking charges against former Senior Superintendent of Customs, Muaz Ali, in connection with a 2018 bribery case involving tobacco imports.

According to the ACC, Muaz is accused of soliciting and agreeing to accept bribes from representatives of a private company that had imported 450 cases of cigarettes stored at the bonded warehouse in Hulhumalé. Of these, 430 cases were later released after completing re-export procedures. The investigation found that Muaz allegedly sought bribes from two individuals associated with the company to influence the outcome of the case in their favour. He has been charged with knowingly soliciting and accepting a benefit, either for himself or another person.

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Tobacco imports remain a high-value trade sector in the Maldives, with official data from 2022 showing that 27 percent of the population smoked. The government has implemented several measures to curb tobacco use, including increasing import duties, which has consequently led to a rise in smuggling and enforcement cases.

Last week, police confirmed that they were investigating the disappearance of two containers of seized cigarettes from the Hulhumalé port, which had been held under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

The case against Muaz comes amid heightened scrutiny over corruption within public institutions. Recent reports have indicated ongoing investigations into alleged bribery cases amounting to over MVR 400 million involving several customs officers. The ACC continues to pursue cases under Article 510 of the Penal Code, which addresses bribery offences.