Request to review Deputy Commissioner Mahmood Riyaz’s dismissal over customs corruption allegations

Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), MDP member of Parliament for the Galolhu Uthuru constituency, today requested the Parliament to re-examine the case of former Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Mahmood Riyaz, who was dismissed yesterday on suspicion of involvement in Customs corruption.

In a post on X yesterday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the dismissal of Deputy Commissioners Mahmood Riyaz and Abdulla Waheed. He stated that the action was taken after considering the information and recommendations provided in the report submitted by the Parliament Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee). The report covered the illegal smuggling of cigarettes into the Maldives aboard a fuel tanker belonging to "The Hawks Private Limited" and the unauthorized removal of a large number of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse without Customs' knowledge.

Mahmood Riyaz has denied the allegations. In a letter sent today to Parliament Speaker Abdu'Raheem Abdulla, MP Mohamed, who is the constituent member for Riyaz, stated that Mahmood Riyaz, who served Customs faithfully for 30 years, was dismissed under the Customs Act for allegedly aiding in the illegal import of cigarettes in 2017.

MP Mohamed requested a re-examination of the claim made by the 241 Committee, noting that Mahmood Riyaz has no record of corruption.

"As Mahmood Riyaz has no record of this nature during his long tenure, I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed again," the letter from MP Mohamed stated.

The Parliament's 241 Committee has stated that the dismissal of Mahmood Riyaz and Abdulla Waheed was based on "confidential sections" contained within the report. Although the main report was made public, the confidential details were shared only with President Muizzu.

Regarding MP Mohamed letter, the Chair of Committee 241 and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem (Redwave) stated today that a member representing the official's constituency has requested a review of the case, and the Committee will proceed with the review.

Saleem estimated that the meeting for the review is likely to be held next Monday.

"In that Committee, we will review the issue submitted by the MP, make a decision, and provide an answer to the public," Saleem said.

Following his dismissal and the submission of the request for a review, Mahmood Riyaz sent a message to a Customs community group stating that while he is aware of the allegations made against him, however, he has never engaged in any act of corruption.

"I swear by Allah that I have not been, and will not be, involved in any wrongdoing," Mahmood Riyaz stated.

Many of those who worked alongside Mahmood Riyaz are speaking out in his defense on social media. Former Commissioner General of Customs, Abdulla Shareef, who worked with Riyaz for over 30 years, described him as an honest, professional individual, and a role model for integrity.

Shareef expressed concern that Riyaz, who he claims has no such record, was dismissed without being given a chance to respond through a fair process.

Some Customs officers have also stated that they never heard any such allegations concerning Mahmood Riyaz during his time at the service, making it difficult for them to believe the claims.