Three officers under probe over President’s letter: Customs

Taking into account the details described in the letter sent to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu by the Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee), the committee has stated that they are investigating the cases that are tied to the three Customs officers upon the President's request.

Under powers granted to the President by the Customs Regulations, President Muizzu announced the dismissal of the two Deputy Commissioners via social media on 29th October. 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 two officials dismissed from the post of Deputy Commissioner, out of the four existing Deputy Commissioners, were Mahmood Riyaz and Abdulla Waheed.

Taking into account the 241 Committee’s “confidential” letter, President Muizzu has instructed Customs Commissioner General Fathimath Dhiyana to investigate three additional officers and take action in accordance with established rules and regulations.

Under Customs rules and regulations, action can only be taken against an officer after review by a special committee established under the same regulations. The process follows a specific and prescribed order to ensure due procedure is observed.

As the 241 Committee sent the President a letter with confidential information, the details including the individuals involved and the events described remain unclear.

Deputy Commissioners Mahmood Riyaz and Abdulla Waheed have denied the allegations against them, with the allegations being that they were involved in smuggling cigarettes. A lot of individuals have come to the defense of Mahmood Riyaz.

Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), MDP member of Parliament for the Galolhu Uthuru constituency, requested the Parliament's 241 Committee on 30th October to re-examine the case of former Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Mahmood Riyaz, who was dismissed on suspicion of involvement in Customs corruption.

In a letter sent to Parliament Speaker Abdul 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.

"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.

Mahmood Riyaz was appointed as a Deputy Commissioner on 25th June 2020 during the previous government. Abdulla Waheed was appointed as a Deputy Commissioner on 3rd January 2024 during the current government.