Cigarette heist: Expat arrested responsible for destroying stolen containers

The expatriate arrested on Wednesday in connection with the disappearance of two cigarette containers from MPL’s Hulhumale' port has been identified as the person responsible for destroying the containers.

Mohamad Alamin Mia, a Bangladeshi national, was taken into custody on Wednesday. He is the first expatriate arrested in the case. He was later produced before the court and ordered to remain in custody pending trial.

According to information received by Mihaaru News, the two stolen containers were taken to Thilafushi, cut into pieces, and sold as scrap metal. Police have since recovered parts of the containers from Thilafushi. Mohamed Alamin Mia was reportedly in charge of the destruction work.

The scheme involved fabricating two identical containers in Thilafushi and swapping them with the originals at the MPL port. Police have recovered evidence identifying those involved in making the duplicate containers and have established which company purchased the containers after they were cut up and sold as scrap. Several foreign workers who took part in the operation have also provided information to investigators.

Since the case came to light last month, a total of 10 individuals have been arrested. They include two businessmen accused of financing the operation—Lotus owner Ahmed Aarif and Apollo Holdings owner Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali). Former customs officer Muaz Ali, senior customs officer Ziwar Ismail, and speedboat captain Adam Waheed, who transported the containers, are also being held until trial.

Customs earlier stated that the stolen cigarette boxes were discovered hidden inside a plywood shipment during an operation at the Hulhumale' sea cargo terminal, following a tip off about efforts to smuggle the containers into the country.