Waheed denies wrongdoing, criticizes 241 committee

Deputy Commissioner of Customs Abdullah Waheed, who was dismissed over two cigarette smuggling cases, has denied any wrongdoing and criticized members of Parliament’s National Security Services Committee (241 Committee).

Speaking to Sun, Waheed said his role at Customs was advisory and did not involve enforcement. He expressed shock over his dismissal, stating that the Chinese and Manchester brand cigarettes found in the Maldives were not declared imports and did not pass through Customs.

Regarding the case involving a vessel owned by oil company Hawks, Waheed said the crew was carrying cigarettes. He claimed the Coast Guard pursued the vessel, but its tracker was turned off before it was last seen offloading near Thilafushi.

“Cigarettes are still being smuggled across the country. The Manchester and other Chinese brands seen in the islands are not declared imports, and it remains unclear how they enter,” he said.

Waheed argued that Customs lacks adequate staffing and equipment for surveillance, blaming past administrations for neglecting enforcement capacity. He also accused Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar of exerting undue influence.

“The problem is that if a parliament member is dissatisfied, those legally responsible for Customs can be sidelined, especially if the parliament member is the head of an oil company like Hawks, and wants to take advantage of his position,” Waheed said, referencing a meeting attended by Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan. He added that Customs does not determine vessel sizes, which fall under the Transport Ministry’s purview.

Waheed claimed that he and former Deputy Commissioner Mahmood Riyaz were dismissed due to pressure from Customs employees allegedly involved in illicit operations. He said the five individuals most engaged in Customs work were targeted unfairly.

“If the goal was genuine reform, this is not the action they would take,” he said, urging the committee to submit any suspicions to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), National Integrity Commission (NIC), police, and other relevant institutions before seeking dismissal.

Waheed criticized the committee’s approach, saying it undermines state institutions and risks damaging the reputation of parliamentarians. He argued that Customs should be allowed to carry out its legal responsibilities without political interference.