Riyaz reinstated as Customs deputy commissioner following 241 committee recommendation

Deputy Commissioner of Customs Mahmood Riyaz, who was dismissed last month in connection with a major cigarette smuggling case, has been reinstated following a recommendation by the Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee).

The decision was confirmed by Presidential Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed, who stated on X on Saturday evening that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had restored Riyaz’s position after the committee concluded he had no direct involvement in the smuggling operation.

Riyaz was removed from office on October 29, days after Customs and Police launched an investigation into the illegal import of 200 master cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes aboard a vessel operated by The Hawks Pvt Ltd. The cigarettes were reportedly offloaded at the company’s Thilafushi boatyard without being declared on the ship’s manifest and later went missing from a bonded warehouse.

The 241 Committee submitted its recommendation to the President on Thursday, following a review of new information. Committee Vice-Chair and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah announced the decision during a meeting on Saturday evening, stating that the committee had found no evidence linking Riyaz to the smuggling.

In a message to the Customs Community Group, Riyaz reaffirmed his innocence, stating:  

“I swear on God, I have not taken part in any wrongdoing, and will not either.”  

He urged colleagues to trust his integrity and pledged to continue upholding ethical principles.

The Hawks company has denied corporate involvement in the smuggling, attributing the incident to rogue employees. Meanwhile, Manchester brand cigarettes continue to circulate in the local market at below-market prices, raising concerns about ongoing illicit distribution.