Police Detain 10 Suspects in MVR 279,000 Social Media Scam

The Maldives Police Service has arrested 10 men on suspicion of hacking an individual’s social media accounts and stealing more than MVR 279,000 from associated bank accounts.

The arrests were made under a court order during a police operation linked to the cybercrime case. The operation was jointly conducted by the Gang Crimes Unit, Himmafushi Police and Addu Hithadhoo Police.

Police identified the suspects as Mohamed Hassan, 59, of Good Life, L. Isdhoo; Ali Irufan Ahmed Didi, 26, of Udha, S. Hithadhoo; Ali Shiraz, 38, of Nanreethi, S. Hithadhoo; Abdulla Nafiz, 39, of Primrose, HDh. Vaikaradhoo; Mohamed Ali, 42, of Foohivaage, GA. Kanduhulhudhoo; Mohamed Nuhadh Ali, 30, of M. Malege’aage, Male’; Mohamed Simadh, 38, of Panama, HA. Kelaa; Ali Imran, 38, of Heenaamaage, GDh. Fiyoari; Abdulla Israq, 19, of Gulbakaage, GDh. Thinadhoo; and Mohamed Ibrahim, 49, of Medoz, K. Himmafushi.

One suspect was arrested from Himmafushi and three from Addu City, while the remaining suspects were arrested from Male’ City.

According to police, six of the suspects deposited money obtained through the scam into their own bank accounts and later withdrew the funds. One suspect used the stolen money to make payments to various businesses for goods purchases, while the remaining three suspects withdrew the stolen funds from ATMs through third parties.

Following their appearance before the court, Mohamed Ibrahim was remanded in custody for five days, Mohamed Ali and Mohamed Hassan for seven days, Ali Irufan Ahmed Didi for 10 days, and the remaining suspects for 15 days. The case is under further investigation by the Police Anti-Scam Centre.