The Parliament's 241 Committee (National Security Committee) has revealed that a large-scale cigarette smuggling operation uncovered last October was a meticulously planned scheme.
During a committee meeting, Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim highlighted inconsistencies in the Maldives Customs Service report, stating that some details required further clarification to conclude the matter.
Local reports indicate that 8,400 cartons of cigarettes (84,000 boxes) were smuggled into the Maldives using a Hawks Private Limited fuel tanker. An internal investigation reportedly cleared the company's management of involvement, with actions taken against those responsible. The police, however, are continuing their investigation and have interviewed the tanker’s crew.
Nazim disclosed that Customs identified the seized cigarettes as counterfeit. The authorized importer of the brand escalated the case to court, leading to the cigarettes being held in a bonded warehouse under a court order.
Further complicating the case, Nazim stated that Exotic Enterprises, the company allegedly behind the smuggling, underwent a shareholder change. He noted discrepancies in the Customs timeline, including missing details on when shares were transferred. Following the transfer, the goods in the bonded warehouse were illegally sold, with Customs billing MVR 46 million to the new shareholders.
Nazim accused the operation of being a premeditated act of fraud, stating, “After the cigarettes were imported and seized under a court order, the company’s shares were transferred. Following this, the goods in the bonded warehouse were sold illegally.”
The Customs Service only became aware of these developments after being informed by the 241 Committee, according to Nazim. He called for Customs to be questioned regarding their role in the incident.
At the meeting's conclusion, the committee resolved to investigate whether Hawks Private Limited had any involvement in the smuggling operation. They also plan to prepare separate reports on the financial transactions and companies involved, to be presented to the parliamentary floor.
The committee intends to summon Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan, Police Commissioner Ali Shujau, and Customs Commissioner for questioning as part of their ongoing investigation.