Maldives Police Service Aids in Global INTERPOL Crackdown on Info-Stealing Cyber Threats

The Maldives Police Service aided in a major international cybercrime operation that has disrupted thousands of malicious online networks worldwide.

Dubbed “Operation Secure,” the joint effort was led by INTERPOL and coordinated through the Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime (ASPJOC). Running from January to April 2025, the operation targeted info-stealer malware programmes designed to secretly harvest personal and financial information from unsuspecting users. Over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains were dismantled as part of the global sweep.

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The Cyber Crime Centre of the Maldives Police focused its efforts on identifying cyber threats within the local digital ecosystem. Investigators collaborated with international law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners to track and analyse malicious infrastructure affecting the Maldives.

A major part of the operation involved working closely with local internet service providers to secure technical data needed to trace compromised systems. This information was then fed into global intelligence-sharing efforts, enhancing the broader international response.

“The success of Operation Secure illustrates the power of cross-border cooperation in tackling cybercrime,” said the head of the Cyber Crime Centre. “Our team’s contribution reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting both Maldivian citizens and the international community from digital threats.”

Authorities involved in the operation seized 41 servers and recovered over 100 gigabytes of stolen data. A total of 32 suspects were arrested in connection with cyber offences ranging from data theft to involvement in broader criminal networks. Investigators were also able to identify more than 216,000 individuals and organisations believed to have been affected, many of whom have since been alerted and advised on security measures.

The Maldives Police Service emphasised that cybercrime remains a growing threat, driven by increasingly sophisticated actors operating across borders. In response, the service is continuing to invest in advanced technologies and international partnerships to bolster its cyber defence capabilities.

“The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and with it, the nature of crime,” the Cyber Crime Centre’s head added. “Our response must be just as dynamic, collaborative, and global in scale.”

Operation Secure has been recognised as one of the most extensive and coordinated efforts yet to combat info-stealer malware, reinforcing the need for shared responsibility in protecting cyberspace.