13M cigarette heist: MPL suspends six employees; to strengthen security

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has suspended six staff in connection with the theft of 13 million cigarettes seized by Maldives Customs Service which was stored in two containers at the seaport in Hulhumale’, a facility managed by MPL.

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 MPL. The theft of the cigarettes was discovered on October 8.

MPL has yet to officially comment on the theft. However, on Wednesday, MPL disclosed measures they have taken in light of the incident.

In this regard, the company detailed that the theft was discovered last Wednesday night, following which an internal investigation was immediately initiated.

According to MPL, five employees were suspended last Sunday and another on Wednesday, based on information obtained during the ongoing investigation. The company stated that its Investigative Committee, Risk Department, and internal audit team are working together to carry out further investigations and audits to determine key reform measures.

“As this is a very serious case, our investigation is proceeding in a manner it does not disrupt the police investigation. The company has been fully cooperating with the police in connection with the case from day one, and will continue to provide full cooperation for the police investigation even in the future,” the statement read.

MPL further said it has begun efforts to strengthen is security architecture following the incident in collaboration with national security forces and law enforcement authorities and in this trajectory, discussions are underway with Customs, Defense Ministry, Home Ministry and Prosecutor General’s Office to ensure such an incident is not repeated.

MPL detailed that it was working alongside these institutions to strengthen policies and practices followed when storing items seized by Customs at ports – with one of the most important reforms decided in this regard being storing items seized by Customs in a separate area in ports where security is heightened.

“To strengthen MPL’s security a system, a security audit of Male’ Business Port and Hulhumale’ Terminal is currently underway is being conducted by a team comprising of experienced and capable commanders from Coastgaurd,” MPL added.

The company also noted that it is set to initiate strategic reforms aimed at further strengthening port security in response to evolving changes and circumstances.

MPL also responded to public concerns regarding delays by the company in disclosing information related to the theft.

“As this case is also under investigation by the police, we are disclosing information as directed by the police. We assure that information regarding the case will be released to the press in a manner that does not obstruct the police investigation,” the company said.

MPL affirmed that it will not hesitate to take action against any MPL staff implicated in the case while reiterating the company’s commitment to strengthening port security and the company’s operations in the future.

“This company’s biggest aim is to uphold the trust vested in the company by businesses and the public,” it added.

In a statement last night, Customs said it has uncovered the possible involvement of one of its staff in the theft and shared this information with the Police accordingly. The company assured that the strictest possible action within the confines of the law will be taken against the said individual if these suspicions are confirmed.

On the same night, the police announced they have arrested four people believed to be ringleaders behind the heist; a high-ranking Customs official, a former Customs official, and two business magnates – Ahmed Arif (Aattey), the owner of Lotus, and Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), the owner of Apollo Holdings.

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