The police have launched an investigation into Hawks Pvt Ltd on money laundering allegations.
Police allege that a foreign-going vessel operated by Hawks Pvt Ltd is suspected of smuggling 200 master cartons of cigarettes into the Maldives. The alleged smuggling operation took place on 24 OCtober 2004, with the cigarettes reportedly not being listed on the shipβs manifest. The Police, in collaboration with Maldives Customs, confirmed that the contraband was unloaded at the Hawks Boat Yard Jetty in Thilafushi on 25 October.
Police said the investigation is based on two primary offenses: attempting to smuggle goods into Maldives under Section 97 of the Customs Act, and a violating Section 53 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act.
