Two Businessmen Released Amid Ongoing Cigarette Theft Probe

Businessmen Mohamed Waheed (commonly known as Digali) and Ahmed Arif (Attey) have been released from custody after being held in connection with the theft of more than 13.6 million seized cigarettes from Maldives Ports Limited’s (MPL) Hulhumalé harbour.

They were among ten individuals arrested following the disappearance of two 40-foot containers of cigarettes. Arif, owner of Lotus, and Waheed, owner of Apollo Holdings, had been detained on suspicion of financing the operation. Police have since forwarded the cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), though prosecutors have yet to decide on formal charges. The statutory deadline for charging decisions expires on 17 May.

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According to the PGO, the allegations against Arif, Waheed, and a third suspect, Hassan Abdul Rahman, relate to conspiracy rather than direct participation in the theft. The office stated that evidence did not substantiate claims of their involvement in the physical execution of the crime. All three were released upon the PGO’s request but remain under court-ordered conditions pending trial. Meanwhile, other suspects in the case remain in custody.

Officials said the individuals still detained are believed to have played a direct role in the theft, including state employees suspected of abusing their official positions. Three MPL staff members are among those held. In total, police have requested charges against 11 people.

The case centres on two containers holding more than 1,360 cases of cigarettes, with an estimated duty value of MVR 122 million. The cigarettes had been seized by Maldives Customs on 26 April after being found concealed within a plywood shipment. The cargo was linked to consignments transported under the Bin Laden Group, the main contractor for the new Velana International Airport terminal project.

Police later uncovered parts of the stolen containers during a search operation in Thilafushi on 19 October. These items have been seized as evidence as the investigation continues.

Authorities say the matter will be submitted to court within the legally required timeframe and that further updates will follow once charging decisions are finalised.