Police Recover Parts of Stolen Cigarette Containers; Fifth Suspect Arrested

Authorities have recovered parts of two containers linked to the high-profile theft of confiscated cigarettes from the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) facility in Hulhumalé. Police confirmed that a fifth suspect, a 52-year-old man, has been taken into custody in connection with the case.

In a statement to the media, police said the containers — which disappeared on 26 April 2025 — were traced during a search operation in Thilafushi on 19 October. The recovered container parts have been seized as evidence. However, the authorities did not disclose the identity of the latest detainee. 

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Four individuals had previously been arrested in connection with the disappearance of the shipment, which contained more than 13.6 million cigarettes. Those arrested include two prominent businessmen — Lotus owner Ahmed Arif (Aattey), 61, and Apollo company owner Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), 65 — along with two senior government officials, Superintendent Zhiwar Ismail, 40, and Muaz Ali, 48, General Manager of Engineering and Projects at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). All four remain in remand under a court order.

Police said the investigation has expanded, with travel bans imposed on 12 additional individuals suspected of involvement. Several properties and vehicles have also been searched as part of the inquiry. The Maldives Ports Limited confirmed that six of its employees have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

Meanwhile, the Maldives Customs Service announced a 20-day unpaid suspension for Superintendent Zhiwar Ismail, noting that further disciplinary action may follow. MIFCO has also suspended Muaz Ali for 30 days, citing his ongoing connection to the case. Muaz, a former Senior Superintendent of Customs, was previously under investigation for corruption at the time of his appointment.

Previous Allegations

Muaz Ali had earlier been implicated in a 2018 cigarette smuggling case. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had recommended that the Prosecutor General’s Office charge him for allegedly soliciting bribes to influence a Customs investigation involving 430 cases of cigarettes stored at the Hulhumalé Bonded Warehouse. Investigators alleged he sought illicit payments to prevent re-export procedures for the shipment.

Background of the Case

The stolen containers, each measuring 40 feet, were seized by Customs on 26 April 2025 and handed over to MPL’s custody at the Hulhumalé port. The consignment, transported under the Bin Laden Group, the main contractor for the new Velana International Airport terminal, remained in port until its disappearance was reported last week.

The two containers contained 1,360 cases of cigarettes, equivalent to 13.6 million sticks, with estimated duties amounting to MVR 122 million. Authorities had earlier found boxes of cigarettes hidden within a plywood shipment during a raid at the Hulhumalé Sea Cargo Terminal.

Police say the investigation into the disappearance of the seized cigarettes remains ongoing.