Enough evidence of Muaz's participation in theft: Order

The Criminal Court has said that enough evidence has been submitted that confirms Muaz Ali's involvement in the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes that were seized by customs in April last year and held at MPL Hulhumale' port.

The cigarettes were smuggled under Saudi Arabia’s Binladin Group's name held in two 40-foot containers and initially went missing from the Hulhumale' International Terminal on 26th April 2024. Former Senior Superintendent of Customs Muaz Ali had been arrested for the crime, with an extra 10 days being added on to his remand yesterday by the court.

As per the court order, there is enough evidence to accuse Muaz when looking at the detailed statements submitted against him. The court order also states that they believe enough evidence has been submitted by authorities to convict Muaz.

The police are accusing Muaz of funding the operation.

Along with Muaz, Apollo CEO Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), Lotus owner Ahmed Arif (Aattey) and senior officer of a Customs Department Ziwar Ismail were arrested in relation to the case.

When Muaz was arrested during the investigation, MIFCO had suspended him for 30 days last Wednesday from his General Manager (Engineering Projects) post.

Authorities told the media that 12 people have been placed under a travel ban due to the investigation, along with MPL suspending six of their employees.

Customs stated that the cigarettes were not destroyed at the time, as the investigation into their smuggling was still ongoing. Customs found out the cigarettes went missing from both containers on the night of 8th October.

The shipment consisted of 1,360 cigarette cases in two 40-foot containers, totaling 13,600,000 cigarettes. This would amount to MVR 122 million in import duty for the state, as per Customs.