Maldives Police Service has launched a dual investigation into money laundering and smuggling charges following the discovery of illicitly imported cigarettes via a Hawks company vessel.

According to police statements, The Hawks Javaahiru, an international vessel owned by The Hawks Private Limited, smuggled 200 master cartons of Manchester cigarettes into the Maldives. The contraband was not listed in the ship's manifest when it arrived on October 24, 2024.

Investigators revealed that the cigarettes were covertly unloaded at the Hawks Boat Yard jetty in K. Thilafushi under the cover of darkness the following night.

The investigation centres on two primary offences: smuggling goods into the Maldives under Article 97 of the Customs Act, and money laundering under Article 53 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Act.

The case is being jointly investigated by police and customs authorities.