Four Remanded as Probe into Missing 13.6 Million Cigarettes Widens

The Criminal Court has ordered the detention of four individuals in connection with the disappearance of more than 13.6 million confiscated cigarettes from the Hulhumalé harbour.

This marks the first time police have publicly identified the suspects. According to authorities, Lotus owner Ahmed Arif (also known as Aattey), 61, and Ziwar Ismail, 40, have been remanded in custody for 15 days. Mohamed Waheed, 65, owner of Apollo company and commonly referred to as Dhigali, has been ordered to remain in detention for 10 days. Former Senior Superintendent of Customs, Muaz Ali, 48, has been remanded for five days.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday night, police confirmed that the four were arrested over the suspected theft of two 40-foot containers containing cigarettes seized by Maldives Customs. The investigation has widened to include travel restrictions on 12 additional individuals. Police also said several properties and vehicles have been searched as part of the inquiry.

Authorities stated that the probe into the disappearance of the cigarettes is ongoing.

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has meanwhile suspended six employees in connection with the case.

Customs seized the two containers on the night of 26 April 2025 and transferred them to MPL’s custody at the Hulhumalé port. The consignment was transported under the Bin Laden Group, the main contractor for the newly opened terminal at Velana International Airport, and remained in the port area until the disappearance was reported last week.

The containers held 1,360 cases of cigarettes, equivalent to approximately 13.6 million sticks. Customs has estimated the duties on the shipment at MVR 122 million. Authorities had earlier uncovered boxes of cigarettes concealed in a plywood shipment during a raid at the Hulhumalé Sea Cargo Terminal.