All Suspects in Multi-Million Cigarette Heist Remanded Until Verdict

The Criminal Court has ordered all suspects arrested in connection with the country’s largest-ever cigarette theft to remain in custody until a verdict is delivered.

The case concerns the theft of over 13 million cigarette sticks valued at more than MVR 100 million, stolen from two containers seized earlier this year by the Maldives Customs Service and stored at Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

According to police, the suspects include several well-known businessmen and current and former government employees. Those remanded include:

• Ahmed Arif (Aattey, 61) — Owner of Lotus Fihaara, accused of financing the theft.

• Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali, 65) — Owner of Apollo Holdings, also accused of funding the operation.

• Muaz Ali (48) — Former customs officer and current MIFCO general manager, alleged to have coordinated logistics.

• Zivar Ismail (40) — Current customs employee, now suspended and accused of involvement.

• MPL employees: Ahmed Shameem (42), Ahmed Firushan (35), and Hussain Samih (35).

• Boat captain Adam Waheed, suspected of transporting the stolen containers.

All suspects were produced before the Criminal Court, which ruled to keep them in detention until the conclusion of their trial due to the severity of the offense and risk of tampering with evidence.

The Maldives Police Service has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with 12 additional individuals currently under travel restrictions for their suspected roles in the operation.

The heist, uncovered earlier this month, has raised serious concerns over security and accountability within state agencies, particularly the Maldives Customs Service and MPL, both of which handled the seized goods.

Authorities have pledged to pursue the case to its full extent, calling it a test of institutional integrity and a warning against corruption within critical state services.