Court orders Apollo owner remanded pending trial in cigarette theft case

Three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of two containers holding more than 13 million cigarettes from the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) terminal in Hulhumalé, police confirmed on Saturday.

The latest arrests were made on Friday. Police identified the suspects as:

All three were presented before the Criminal Court on Saturday. Shaheem and Samih were remanded in custody for seven days, while Firsan was remanded for five days.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Waheed, 65, a shareholder of Apollo Company who was previously arrested in the case, was brought before the court for a second hearing. The Criminal Court ordered that he remain in custody pending trial.

The investigation has so far led to the arrest of several individuals, including business owners and company officials. Those previously detained include:

Mohamed Waheed, Apollo shareholder – initially remanded for 10 days; now ordered to remain in custody pending trial

Ahmed Arif, 61, owner of Lotus – remanded for 15 days

Muaz Ali, General Manager of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) – initial 5-day remand extended by 10 days

Ziwar Ismail, senior head at Maldives Customs Service – remanded for 10 days

Hassan Abdul Rahman, 52, of Link, K. Thulusdhoo – ordered to remain in custody pending trial

Adam Waheed, 54, captain of the vessel used to transport the stolen containers, of Kenereege, N. Miladhoo – remanded for seven days

According to Maldives Customs Service, the stolen containers each measured 40 feet and contained 1,360 cases of cigarettes, amounting to 13.6 million cigarette sticks. Based on current market rates, the estimated customs duty on the shipment is approximately MVR 122 million.

Authorities noted that the smuggling and sale of counterfeit and untaxed cigarette brands have become increasingly common since cigarette prices were raised late last year. The police investigation into the case is ongoing.