Committee raises concerns over police chief in Hawks cigarette smuggling

The Parliamentary Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) has raised concerns over the conduct of Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen and several state institutions regarding the smuggling of over 84,000 cartons of cigarettes by a vessel operated by local oil importer, Hawks.

The cigarettes were smuggled in October last year, and the 241 Committee has been investigating the incident. The committee discussed a draft report during its meeting held on Tuesday.

Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa alleged during the meeting that Commissioner Naveen had visited the Hawks’ premises while the investigation was ongoing. “There are photos and videos of Naveen entering the Hawks’ house while the case was being investigated,” Ghafoor said, adding that such conduct was not appropriate for a public official in his position.

Gafoor also questioned the delay in the Prosecutor General’s Office taking action on the case, despite evidence being available. He alleged that corruption may be a factor in the lack of progress.

Deputy-Speaker Ahmed Nazim, a committee member involved in drafting the report, shared additional findings. Customs officials had informed the committee that Hawks had been engaged in smuggling for two years, including bringing goods from abroad through unauthorised points in the Maldives. One customs official reportedly stated that there was a risk of smuggling weapons under such circumstances.

Nazim said Hawks’ vessel had entered Maldivian waters and disabled its Automatic Identification System before customs intercepted it 24 hours later and found the cigarettes. Due to lack of operational resources, customs officials boarded the ship using a launcher donated by the Japanese government, which lacked a safety certificate.

Nazim also said the case had been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office two months ago for prosecution, but there was no update on whether charges had been filed. A separate police investigation into potential money laundering had also reportedly stalled.

MPs Mohamed Shahid and Mohamed Ismail, both deputy leaders of the PNC Parliamentary Group, expressed dissatisfaction over how state institutions handled the matter. Shahid called for action against heads of agencies who failed to act, while Ismail proposed suspending Hawks’ operations.

Some members raised concerns about including sensitive national security information and names of individuals who may face trial in the public report. Others supported publishing the report in full.

The committee concluded the session without a final decision. Chairperson and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem stated the report would be finalised at the next committee meeting.

Commissioner Ismail Naveen has not publicly responded to the allegations.