Court order: Sufficient evidence linking Muaz to cigarette heist

The court order extending 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, states there is sufficient evidence linking Muaz to the heist.

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, 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. On Monday, his remand was extended by an additional 10 days.

As per the court order extending his remand, Muaz’s lawyer argued that he cannot be linked to the heist. Nevertheless, Judge Adam Mohamed ordered the extension of his remand, citing that the Police had submitted sufficient evidence to link Muaz to the heist.

The court order read that detailed statements submitted against Muaz contained enough evidence to warrant suspicions.

Muaz had requested leniency for his remand. His lawyers also argued that he was arrested in violation of due process. 

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.