ACC seeks prosecution of ex-Customs official over cigarette bribery

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to prosecute Muaz Ali, a former Senior Superintendent of Customs, on charges of bribery linked to a 2018 tobacco import case.

According to the ACC, Muaz is accused of soliciting and agreeing to accept bribes from representatives of a private company that had imported 450 cases of cigarettes stored at the bonded warehouse in Hulhumale'. Of these, 430 cases were released after completing re-export procedures.

The ACC investigation revealed that Muaz allegedly sought bribes from two individuals associated with the company to influence the outcome of the case in their favor. He has been charged with knowingly soliciting and accepting a benefit, either for himself or another person.

Statistics showed that 27 percent of the Maldivian population was smoking as of 2022. With this the import and sale of cigarettes remains a high-value industry. The government has taken steps to curb tobacco use, including raising import duties, which has led to a rise in smuggling cases.

Just last week, police confirmed they were investigating the disappearance of two containers of seized cigarettes from the Hulhumale' port, which were under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

The case against Muaz Ali comes amid broader concerns about corruption within public institutions. Recent reports have highlighted investigations into MVR 400 million in alleged bribery involving multiple customs officers. The ACC continues to pursue cases under Article 510 of the Penal Code, which covers bribery offenses.