13M cigarette heist: Muaz’s remand extended by 10 days

The remand of Maldives Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO)’s Engineering and Projects Department’s General Manager Muaz Ali, who was arrested in connection with the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes seized by Maldives Customs Service, which was stored in two containers at the seaport in Hulhumale’, has been extended by 10 days.

Muaz, a former Customs official, who has been suspended from his current position at the state-fisheries company, was initially remanded in custody for five days following his arrest.

Maldives Police Service, on Monday, said his remand has been extended by an additional 10 days upon presentation before the court following the expiration of the initial remand period.

The two containers containing 13.6 million sticks of cigarettes smuggled into the Maldives were seized by Maldives Customs Service on April 26, and kept at Hulhumale’ seaport, managed by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). The theft of the cigarettes was discovered on October 8.

Muaz is among four people arrested who are believed to be ringleaders behind the heist; two business conglomerates Ahmed Arif (Aattey), the owner of Lotus and Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), the owner of Apollo Holdings and  Customs’ Superintendent Zivar Ismail.

Dhigali Waheed was remanded in custody for 10 days, while Aattey and Zivaar were remanded for 15 days.

Customs has suspended Zivar in connection with the case, while MIFCO respectively suspended Muaz.

MPL has also announced the suspension of six employees in connection with the case.

The Police have also imposed travel bans on 12 individuals and searched multiple vessels and other properties as they investigate the case.