Cigarette theft: Muaz suspended from MIFCO

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) General Manager Muaz Ali has been suspended for allegedly stealing more than 13 million cigarettes from two containers at Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) port.

Besides Muaz, two businessmen and a customs employee have been arrested and remanded in custody.

MIFCO stated that Muaz, who previously served as a Senior Superintendent of Customs, has been suspended for one month. In a press release, the company said the decision was taken as part of an internal administrative investigation.

Responsibility for Muaz’s duties has been handed over to Engineering Department’s Project Management Unit Manager Mohamed Shameem and Consultant Engineer Ubaidullah Hussain to ensure operations continue.

MIFCO said it was not involved in the case but would act on matters linked to integrity and accountability within the organisation. The company added that measures would be taken to maintain its credibility and reputation.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (Maldives) has also forwarded a case against Muaz to the prosecutor. He is accused of seeking bribes in relation to the import of 430 cases of cigarettes.

Muaz was arrested along with:

Waheed has been remanded for 10 days, Muaz for five days, and Arif and Ziwaar for 15 days.