Maldives Joins International Crackdown on Transnational Scam Networks

The Maldives has taken part in a major international operation that uncovered extensive scam networks operating across several countries.

Led by the Hong Kong police, the month-long operation involved law enforcement agencies from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Macau, and the Maldives. The coordinated effort, which commenced on 28 April, targeted a broad range of fraudulent activities, including online business scams, telephone extortion, false investment schemes, and fake job offers.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Authorities in Hong Kong reported that the joint operation identified 9,268 scam cases, resulting in the arrest of 1,858 individuals believed to be involved. Losses suffered by victims across the participating regions amounted to over USD 225 million.

In addition to the arrests, the operation saw over 32,000 bank accounts frozen and more than USD 20 million intercepted before it could be transferred to the fraudsters. The outcome highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border financial crimes.