Fifth suspect in cigarette theft case remanded pending trial

The fifth suspect in the theft of two containers of cigarettes seized by Maldivian Customs has been remanded in custody pending trial.

Hassan Abdul Rahman, 52, from Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo, was arrested sometime last night and was produced in court today where he was remanded in custody pending trial.

Police recovered parts of the two missing containers during a search operation in Thilafushi last Sunday, although it remains unclear whether the stolen cigarettes have been recovered.

Four other individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case. They include Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), 65, owner of Apollo Holdings; Ahmed Arif (Aattey) owner of Lotus shops, 61; Ziwar Ismail,40, a senior Customs employee at Hulhumale' port; and former Senior Superintendent of Customs Muaz Ali, 48.

Waheed and Arif have been accused of financing the theft, with Waheed remanded for 10 days and Arif for 15 days. Ziwar and Muaz are charged with planning and executing the smuggling operation, and were remanded for 15 and 10 days, respectively.

Authorities have also imposed travel bans on 12 individuals linked to the theft and suspended six MPL employees, though further details have not been released.

The stolen containers, each 40 feet in length, held a total of 1,360 cases of cigarettes, equivalent to 13.6 million sticks. Customs estimates the seized stock is worth MVR 122 million.

The items remained in custody pending completion of the investigation.