13M cigarette heist: Customs suspends Zivar, launches investigation

Customs Superintendent Zivar Ismail has been suspended in connection with the theft of 13 million cigarettes from two containers seized by Customs and stored at the Hulhumale’ port under Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

The suspension took effect Wednesday, according to a post on Customs’ official account on X. The agency stated that the matter is under investigation and that appropriate action will be taken. However, details regarding the duration of the suspension or whether it is with pay remain unclear. The Customs Information Officer was unavailable for comment.

The case, involving two containers seized on April 26, was reported to police last Thursday. Zivar was arrested alongside businessman Ahmed Arif (Aattey), Apollo Holdings CEO Mohamed Waheed (Digali), and MIFCO General Manager Muaz Ali.

Zivar and Arif were remanded for 15 days, Waheed for 10, and Muaz for five. MIFCO has suspended Muaz for 30 days pending internal review. MPL has also suspended six employees and launched a security audit of its Male' Commercial Port and Hulhumale’ Terminal.

To bolster port security, MPL has appointed a team of experienced Coast Guard maritime commanders. Customs reiterated that if any of its personnel are found complicit, the strictest disciplinary action will be taken.