Money laundering charges to be pressed in cigarette smuggling case

Police have revealed that money laundering charges can be pressed in the case of smuggling cigarettes via sea to Maldives.

In October last year, a case came to light where 8,400 cigarette cartons (84,000 cigarette packs) were smuggled into Maldives on a fuel tanker belonging to The Hawks company. The cigarettes are believed to have been brought in for a company called Exotic Enterprises.

In a statement on the case released today, Police said that these cigarettes had been smuggled in on October 25, 2024, and unloaded at The Hawks Company boatyard jetty in Thilafushi.

Police said that the investigation in the case is based on two charges: smuggling and money laundering.

The Hawks company has earlier said that the company has no involvement in the case, and they initiated an internal investigation into the matter as well. Action was also taken against those found to be involved. While statements have been taken from the crew of the company, Police are continuing investigations into the case.

Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) is also looking in to the matter. The committee has decided to compile two reports on the case, one concerning whether The Hawks company had been involved, and one on financial transactions involved and companies involved in this.

The Committee also decided to summon Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau and Commissioner of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana to seek further information regarding the case.

Illegal cigarette import: Nazim says it was a MVR 46 million transaction

The Edition