Parliament’s Committee on Security Services, known as the 241 Committee, has summoned authorities for questioning over the theft of two containers of cigarettes from Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). The questioning, scheduled for Sunday, will involve the Ministry of Homeland Security, Maldives Police Service, and Maldives Customs Service.

Police have barred twelve people from leaving the country and searched several properties in connection with the case. Four people have been arrested — Ahmed Arif, 61; Mohamed Waheed, 65; Muaz Ali, 48; and Ziwar Ismail, 40. Arif and Waheed are suspected of financing the theft, while Muaz and Ziwar, both linked to Customs, are believed to have taken part directly.

The Criminal Court has ordered Arif and Ziwar to be held for 15 days, Waheed for 10 days, and Muaz for five days. Police said the stolen cigarettes, worth over MVR 100 million in import duty, were taken from two 40-foot containers at the Hulhumalé commercial harbour. The containers were under Customs custody when they disappeared.

MPL has suspended six employees as part of its internal investigation. The company said its investigation and audit teams are reviewing the case to strengthen internal controls.

Maldives Customs confirmed that one of its employees is also under investigation and said strict action would be taken if involvement is proven.

Muaz, who currently works as General Manager at MIFCO, has been suspended for 30 days. He was previously dismissed from Customs in 2019 over a similar case involving missing cigarette shipments. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also sought bribery charges against him in that earlier case.

Authorities continue to investigate what is believed to be one of the largest thefts in MPL’s history.