The Criminal Court has stated that there is sufficient evidence connecting Muaz Ali, General Manager of the Engineering and Projects Department at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), to the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes seized earlier this year.
The court made the remark in its order extending Muaz’s remand by an additional 10 days on Monday. He was initially remanded for five days following his arrest last week in connection with the multi-million-rufiyaa smuggling case.
Court Order Cites “Detailed Statements” as Evidence
According to the court order, the police submitted detailed statements and evidence that raised strong suspicions of Muaz’s involvement in the heist. The order concluded that there was “enough evidence to substantiate the link between the suspect and the crime,” warranting an extension of his detention for further investigation.
Muaz’s lawyers argued that their client was not involved in the theft and that his arrest violated due process. They also appealed for leniency regarding his remand. However, Judge Adam Mohamed ruled in favor of the prosecution, noting that the evidence presented justified continued detention.
The Case So Far
The case involves the theft of two containers containing 13.6 million sticks of cigarettes, originally seized by the Maldives Customs Service on April 26. The containers, stored at the Hulhumalé seaport managed by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), were discovered missing on October 8, prompting a large-scale police investigation.
Muaz, who previously worked at Customs, has been suspended from his position at MIFCO pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities have identified four key suspects believed to be the masterminds behind the heist:
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Muaz Ali – General Manager, MIFCO
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Ahmed Arif (Aattey) – Owner of Lotus
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Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali) – Owner of Apollo Holdings
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Zivar Ismail – Superintendent, Maldives Customs Service
The court has ordered 15 days’ remand for Arif and Zivar, and 10 days for Waheed and Muaz.
Wider Investigation Underway
In connection with the case, Customs has suspended Superintendent Zivar Ismail, while MIFCO has suspended Muaz from duty. MPL has also suspended six employees believed to have links to the incident.
Police have issued travel bans on 12 individuals and conducted search operations on multiple vessels and properties as part of the ongoing probe.
