Home Minister Ali Ihsan and Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen have been summoned to the Parliamentary Security Services Committee (241 Committee) in connection with the alleged illegal importation of large quantities of cigarettes on a vessel owned by The Hawks.

The committee had previously requested information from the Home Ministry regarding the matter. During today’s meeting, Maafannu Uthuru MP Mohamed Nazim highlighted the seriousness of the issue and proposed holding a live committee session to question the ministers. This proposal was supported by Thulhadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar and approved by the committee.

The controversy involves the Hawks' vessel MT Hawks Jawahir, which customs officials reported had transported a significant quantity of cigarettes to Thilafushi. According to customs, the contraband was unloaded using company resources, including a local vessel, Hawks Roadhi, and a track registered under The Hawks.

In response, The Hawks stated that employees misused company resources for personal gain and denied the company's involvement in the illegal activity. The company conducted an internal investigation, removed the implicated employees, and reported the case to authorities.

“The company operates under a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activities, and this incident is a betrayal of the trust placed in the employees,” Hawks said in a statement. The company has also pledged to strengthen internal controls to prevent future misuse of resources.

The Hawks cooperated with authorities during an initial search of their boatyard, despite it being conducted without a court order. The company assured full support for the investigation and has allowed police to access the premises while awaiting further legal proceedings.