PGO charges 11 over MVR 13.6 million cigarette theft at Hulhumalé port
They include businessmen Mohamed Waheed, a shareholder of Apollo, and Ahmed Arif, the owner of Lotus.
Top Stories
-
President rejects opposition claims of authoritarian rule
-
President says Waheed asked to resign over links to Epstein
-
Maldives pres rejects Mauritius decision to sever diplomatic ties
-
President says second round of pres election still under review
-
3 arrested over attempt to smuggle more than 2 kg of drugs
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has charged 11 individuals in connection with the theft of cartons of cigarettes valued at MVR 13.6 million that were seized by Customs and stored at Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) facilities in Hulhumalé.
In a statement issued on Monday, the PGO said charges have been filed against 10 individuals, including businessman Mohamed Waheed, a shareholder of Apollo, and businessman Ahmed Arif, the owner of Lotus. One individual was not charged due to lack of evidence.
The PGO said the most serious charges have been brought against Waheed, Arif and Muaz Ali, who are accused of leading the theft. They face charges of conspiracy to take unauthorised possession of another person’s property and conspiracy to commit theft under Articles 211 and 82 of the Penal Code, as well as participation in unauthorised possession of property and theft under Articles 211 and 30.
Customs officer Ziwar Ismail and MPL employees Ahmed Shaheem and Ahmed Firsan have been charged with unauthorised possession of another person’s property and theft under Article 211 of the Penal Code, along with conspiracy to take unauthorised possession of property under Articles 211 and 82.
Hussain Samih and Adam Waheed have been charged under Article 211 of the Penal Code for unauthorised possession of another person’s property.
Hassan Abdul Rahman and Bangladeshi national Mohamed Alamin Mia have been charged under Articles 211 and 30 of the Penal Code for participation in unauthorised possession of another person’s property and participation in theft.
The PGO said no charges will be filed against Mohamed Sharif, Male’ Dhaftharu 1355, citing insufficient evidence to establish criminal liability.
The PGO said individuals charged with participation in unauthorised possession of another person’s property are accused of playing leading roles in organising the offence. If the charges are proven, prosecutors will seek the maximum penalty permitted by law, taking into account the nature and circumstances of the offence.
