Cigarette theft: Waheed, Arif released; PG asked to prosecute all
The PGO confirmed that the case was received on 3 January and said work is underway to determine prosecution.
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Police have requested the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to file charges against suspects linked to the theft of two containers holding more than 13 million cigarettes from the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) facility in Hulhumalé.
The PGO confirmed that the case was received on 3 January and said work is underway to determine prosecution.
Three suspects have been released on bail. They are:
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Mohamed Waheed, Dhigali, B. Eydhafushi (shareholder of Apollo Company)
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Ahmed Arif, MA. Everglory (owner of Lotus Company)
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Hassan Abdul Rahman, Link, K. Thulusdhoo
According to the PGO, Waheed and Arif face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, but investigators found no evidence linking them directly to the theft. Hassan Abdul Rahman was released on conditional bail as he is not accused of involvement in the robbery.
The PGO also noted that Mohamed Shareef was not in custody at the time the case was submitted.
The suspects currently detained in connection with the theft are:
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Muaz Ali, H. New Happiness (General Manager, MIFCO)
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Ziwar Ismail, Medhureege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo (Head of a Customs Department)
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Ahmed Shaheem, Nooralige, HDh. Vaikaradhoo (MPL employee)
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Ahmed Firsan, H. Romania (MPL employee)
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Hussain Samih, Chandhaneege, S. Hithadhoo (MPL employee)
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Adam Waheed, Keneree, N. Miladhoo (captain of the container boat)
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Mohamed Alamin Mia, Bangladesh
The PGO said the detainees have not been released because they are accused of direct involvement in the theft, with some alleged to have abused official positions to carry out the offence.
