"Not corrupt", Riyaz states in farewell message

Mahmood Riyaz, who was removed from his post as Deputy Commissioner of Customs yesterday, has denied allegations of being involved in the illegal smuggling of cigarettes into the Maldives.

With President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's decision to remove Riyaz from post at Customs where he had worked for 33 years, Riyaz took to the Customs community group stating he was aware of the allegations against him. He went on to say that he has never been involved in acts of corruption. He also said during his time at Customs, he has never been a part of nor has he committed any wrongful acts.

"I am grateful for the trust and kind support I have been given as I exit this group."

Riyaz stated that such a situation might breed suspicion but requests to trust his integrity.

"I have always abided by my principles, and will always continue to do so," said Riyaz as he wished everyone from Customs success in his message.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has dismissed Deputy Commissioner of Customs Abdullah Waheed, along with Commissioner Riyaz, under powers granted to the President by the Customs Regulations.

President Muizzu has announced via social media the dismissal of the two Deputy Commissioners, following recommendations from Parliament based on findings by the Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee). The dismissals relate to investigations into cigarette smuggling aboard a fuel tanker operated by The Hawks Pvt Ltd, and unauthorized removal of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse.

The report released last week by the Parliament Committee on National Security Services highlighted that negligence and corruption within Customs were leading to the erosion of border security and a decline in state revenue collected through Customs.

Many Customs employees and former Customs senior officials have taken to defend Riyaz on social media regarding the dismissal of two individuals over such a serious accusation.

Former Customs Commissioner General Abdullah Shareef from the previous government stated he was in a state of shock after hearing Riyaz be fired from Customs. While highlighting that he had worked with Riyaz for around 30 years, Shareef said that Riyaz is an honest and professional individual.

"Mr. Riyaz isn’t just a coworker- he’s a role model of integrity in an organization that needs the highest standards. In his 33-year career, he has faced tough challenges strengthening MCS and earning everyone’s respect," said Shareef in a Facebook post.

As per Shareef, even though suspicion may have surfaced regarding the integrity of some appointed Deputy Commissioners, Riyaz is someone who has no such record. He also said that it is concerning that he was removed from his post without fair process or without him being given the chance to be held accountable.

"This hastened decision will only tarnish Riyaz's reputation he worked long and hard for, with the possibility of trust in our institutions going down as well."

Customs officers are defending Riyaz on social media, stating that during Shareef's time there, there were no such things being talked about in connection to Shareef, and that it is difficult to believe such things.

"Such things being done after life-long service is not something that should be done to anyone. If action needs to be taken, it should be done in a fair manner."

Although the report compiled by 241 Committee on this issue was publicly released, it included a "confidential section." Consequently, the confidential details were shared only with President Muizzu.

"The confidential section that was shared to the President contains the names of those individuals and their actions. President Muizzu would have seen all the wrongful acts committed by them from the document, along with details of the investigation," a senior member of the 241 Committee said earlier.