The smuggling of 8,400 cartons of cigarettes into the Maldives last October has sparked fresh concerns over governance and corporate accountability, as the Parliament’s 241 Committee delves into the details of what it describes as a “meticulously planned operation.”
The case, involving Hawks Private Limited’s fuel tanker and a shipment of counterfeit cigarettes, has revealed significant lapses in oversight and questionable practices by both government agencies and private entities. Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim (PNC) has voiced doubts over the information provided by Maldives Customs Service, citing inconsistencies in the report shared with the committee.
The cigarettes, now held under a court order in a bonded warehouse, have become the focal point of a complex investigation. According to Nazim, the timeline provided by Customs omits crucial details, including the date on which Exotic Enterprises—a company linked to the smuggling operation—transferred its shares. These shares were transferred after the goods had been seized, raising questions about the motivations behind the ownership change.
More troubling, Nazim alleged that the cigarettes were illegally sold while still under court-ordered seizure, with Customs unaware until the 241 Committee intervened. This has drawn sharp criticism of the agency’s role in overseeing the situation.
Corporate Ties Under Scrutiny
The involvement of Exotic Enterprises, and the subsequent shareholder changes, has brought the practices of private companies under the microscope. While an internal investigation by Hawks Private Limited concluded that its management was uninvolved, the fact that the fuel tanker was used in the operation has prompted the committee to initiate a deeper probe into the company’s potential role.
Nazim accused the operation of being a deliberate and calculated scheme. The company with the new shareholders was billed MVR 46 million for the seized goods, further complicating the legal and financial dimensions of the case.
Calls for Accountability
The committee has taken decisive steps to address the broader implications of the smuggling operation. Plans are underway to summon key officials, including Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan, Police Commissioner Ali Shujau, and Customs Commissioner, for questioning. Additionally, two separate reports are being drafted—one focusing on Hawks Private Limited and the other on the financial and operational aspects of the smuggling network.
This case illustrates the importance of strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring transparency in both public and private sectors. As the investigation unfolds, it raises critical questions about how such a well-coordinated operation could occur undetected and the role of regulatory agencies in preventing similar incidents in the future.
