Currently three Customs officers are being investigated in the case
Police have launched an investigation into the circulation of MVR 400 million from the accounts of several Customs officers.
Police are investigating allegations of bribery related to the collection of import duties on behalf of the state.
A source speaking with Mihaaru News said that three Customs officers are currently under investigation, although sources indicate that as many as 20 officers may be implicated in the bribery allegations.
Some aspects of the case have been referred to the 241 Committee of Parliament, which has kept its proceedings confidential. The committee has reportedly questioned officials from relevant government agencies as part of its investigation.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ahmed Nazim, said last December that once the 241 Committee concludes its investigation, it will propose solutions to issues like drug smuggling. He also expressed concerns about the trustworthiness of uniformed bodies in tackling such matters.
“We have observed significant negligence by Customs. Hopefully, once the 241 Committee completes its ongoing cases, it will recommend stringent and enforceable solutions to the government. We cannot rely indefinitely on uniformed bodies,” Nazim said debating on the Drugs Act Amendment Bill on December 9.
Customs officials are often blamed for the importation of various items into Maldives.
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