Cigarette theft: Five, including Aattey, Muaz, remanded until verdict

Five suspects, including prominent businessmen and former customs officials, have been remanded in custody pending trial over the theft of 13 million cigarettes from two containers seized by Maldives Customs.

The containers were confiscated on April 26 and handed over to Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) for safekeeping. The theft was reported to police shortly afterward. Nine individuals have since been arrested in connection with the case.

Among those accused of financing the theft are Ahmed Arif (Aattey), owner of Lotus Fihaara, and Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), owner of Apollo Holdings. Both were arrested earlier this month.

Muaz Ali, a former customs officer currently serving as a general manager at MIFCO, and Zivar Ismail, a customs employee, are accused of conspiring to commit the theft. Both have been suspended from their posts.

Police recovered parts of the stolen containers from Thilafushi on October 19. Adam Waheed, captain of the N.K. Milad Canary, the boat allegedly used to transport the containers, was arrested last Tuesday.

Three MPL employees were also arrested:

• Ahmed Shameem, 42, Nooraleege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo  

• Ahmed Firushan, 35, H. Romania, Male' City   

• Hussain Samih, 35, Chaandhanee, Addu City’s Hithadhoo 

On Saturday, the Criminal Court ordered Dhigali to remain in custody pending trial. On Sunday, Aattey, Muaz, Zivar, Firshan, and Adam Waheed were also remanded until the conclusion of their trials.

Shaheem and Samih were initially remanded for seven days.

Police have imposed travel bans on 12 individuals linked to the case, though their identities have not been disclosed.