Mahmood Riyaz returns to work after reinstatement

Deputy Commissioner of Customs Mahmood Riyaz has returned to work today after he was officially reinstated to his position last night. 

Riyaz had earlier been dismissed, on October 29, based on an investigation conducted by Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) into the smuggling in of cigarettes on an oil tanker owned by Hawks Pvt Ltd, and the removal of cigarette cartons from a bonded warehouse without the knowledge of Customs. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu made the decision reinstate Riyaz following recommendations from the 241 Committee, which, after a further investigation, found Riyaz to have no active involvement in these cases.

A Customs Media Official confirmed to Mihaaru News today that Riyaz has returned to work effective today. 

As per the Customs Act, Deputy Commissioners can be appointed or dismissed by the President himself. 

Besides Riyaz, Deputy Commissioner of Customs Abdulla Waheed was also dismissed in relation to the same incident. A senior member of the 241 Committee said that Waheed's case is not up for review, as his involvement has been clearly established.