Riyaz reinstated after committee finds no link to cigarette smuggling

President Mohamed Muizzu has reinstated Deputy Commissioner of Customs Mahmood Riyaz, who was dismissed on 29 October in connection with an alleged cigarette smuggling case.

Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed on X that the Parliamentary Security Services Committee had completed its review and found no evidence linking Riyaz to the smuggling operation. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the President decided to restore Riyaz to his position.

The Security Services Committee submitted its recommendation to the President on Thursday. The committee’s Vice Chair and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah announced the decision during a committee meeting on Saturday.

In a statement issued on behalf of the committee, Falaah said that after reviewing additional information received since Riyaz’s dismissal, the committee concluded that he had no direct involvement in the smuggling of cigarettes. The committee unanimously voted to recommend his reinstatement.

In a message shared with the Customs Community Group, Riyaz stated that he had not engaged in any corrupt act and would continue to uphold integrity in his work. He also expressed gratitude to those who supported him.

Several Customs officers have publicly expressed support for Riyaz following the announcement.

The case relates to a seizure made by Maldives Customs on 24 October 2024, when officers intercepted a consignment of 200 master cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes smuggled aboard the Hawks Jewellery vessel. The cigarettes were reportedly not listed on the ship’s manifest and were unloaded at the Hawks Boat Yard jetty in Thilafushi.

Police are continuing to investigate the case.