Riyaz’s parting message after 33 years: Never been corrupt, never will be

Mahmood Riyaz, who was dismissed from his position as Deputy Commissioner at the Maldives Customs Service on Wednesday after 33 years in service, has stated that he affirmed he has never engaged in any corrupt act and will never do so.

Two deputy commissioners, Riyaz and Abdulla Waheed, both of whom have worked at Customs for over 32 years, were dismissed from their posts on Wednesday following parliamentary inquiries into two cases involving the illicit tobacco trade.

Riyaz was appointed as a deputy commissioner in 2020, while Waheed received his promotion in 2024.

In a message to Customs’ community group, Riyaz, who was dismissed after 33 years in service, acknowledged the allegations him while denying involvement in any corrupt act.

“I swear upon all mighty Allah, that I have never been involved in any illicit activity, nor will I [in the future,” he said.

Riyaz, referring to various rumors circulating about him at present, appealed to trust his integrity. He also assured he will uphold good principles even in the future.

Many Customs officers defend Riyaz on social media

Many Customs officers of all levels have spoken up in his defense following Riyaz’s dismissal.

In this regard, Mohamed Shahid said he has not heard any such allegation against Riyaz over the past 33 years, and went onto described Riyaz’s dismissal as a “shame”.

“This is not how an individual who has been in service his whole life should be treated,” he added.

Fathimath Abdul Rahman said Wednesday marked a “dark Day’ in the history of Customs.

She characterized Riyaz as a sincere individual, emphasizing that there is no doubt about it.

Abdulla Shareef, who served as Commissioner General of Customs during the current administration, said he has worked with Riyaz for over 30 years and can say with full confidence that he is honest, professional and truly dedicated to serving the public.

“Mr. Riyaz isn’t just a coworker- he’s a role model of integrity in an organization that needs the highest standards. In his 33-year career, he has faced tough challenges with fairness and openness, making MCS stronger and earning everyone’s respect,” he added.

Shareef called on President Muizzu to review his decision, adding the rushed move could damage Riyaz’s hard-earned reputation and weaken trust in Customs when accountability is needed the most.

The dismissal of two deputy commissioners of customs was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a post on X on Wednesday morning.

According to him, the decision was made based on the recommendations of the Parliament’s Security Services Committee, which had conducted inquiries into a case involving the smuggling of 200 master cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes on board one of The Hawks’ ships, and one involving the illegal removal of hundreds of cases of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse.

President Muizzu said that he has also instructed Customs to investigate and take action against three more Customs officials.

He did not name any of the officials in question.

The illegal shipment of 200 master cartons of Manchester cigarettes – a cheaper brand that has become more popular following the doubling of import duty on tobacco - was found on The Hawks’ oil tanker Javaahiru during a raid by Maldives Customs on the company’s boatyard in K. Thilafushi on October 25, 2024.

In May, the Prosecutor General’s Office filed charges against three individuals and signed plea deals with 12 others.

But it decided against pressing charges against the company itself citing lack of evidence.

The Hawks denies any involvement in the case, claiming the crime was committed by a group of the company’s employees who conspired with foreign individuals.

While President Muizzu did not specify the second case, the authorities had announced investigations into the illegal removal of 955 cases of tobacco products including cigarettes and pipe tobacco from two bonded warehouses back in February.

The two bonded warehouses belonged to SGM and Exotic Enterprises – the latter of which, Hithaadhoo MP Mohamed Siruhaan, a lawmaker from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), had owned shares in.

Customs said back in February that 575 cases of cigarettes were illegally removed from the Exotic Enterprises Bonded Warehouse; 165 cases of Camel Yellow, 110 cases of American Legend, and 300 cases of Manchester Royal Red.

According to Customs, the state should have received over MVR 67.9 million in duties for the goods, including MVR 47.2 million from Exotic Enterprises alone.

Siruhan, whose link to Exotic Enterprises became public after the Parliament publicized the findings of the committee inquiry earlier this week, denies any involvement in the case.