President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reinstated Deputy Commissioner of Customs Mahmood Riyaz after the Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services concluded that there was no evidence directly linking him to alleged irregularities previously investigated by the Committee.
The decision was confirmed by President’s Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed in a post shared on social media, stating that the President acted upon the Committee’s recommendation to restore Riyaz to his former position.
According to the Committee’s official press release, members revisited their earlier report dated 26 October 2025 after receiving additional information concerning the illegal importation and unauthorized removal of cigarette cartons from bonded warehouses without the knowledge of Maldives Customs Service.
Following thorough deliberations, the Committee determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish Riyaz’s direct involvement in the cases. At its 13th meeting held on 6 November 2025, a majority of members voted to recommend that the President reinstate him. The Committee made this decision public during its 14th meeting held on 8 November.
President Muizzu’s swift action to reinstate Riyaz marks the conclusion of a high-profile internal review that had led to his dismissal late last month. Officials noted that the decision reflects the administration’s adherence to due process and its commitment to ensuring justice through institutional checks and accountability mechanisms.
The development underscores effective collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in addressing oversight matters, reaffirming the government’s pledge to uphold fairness and transparency across all state institutions.
