Four Arrested Over Major OTP Scam Siphoning Over USD 25,000 from Bank Account
Four men have been taken into custody in connection with a major phone scam that drained over USD 25,000 in local and foreign currency from a victim’s bank account using a fraudulently obtained One-Time Password.
According to the Maldives Police Service, an unidentified caller contacted the victim last Wednesday and deceptively acquired an OTP, using the authentication credential to compromise and gain unauthorized access to the victim’s banking portal.
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The perpetrators subsequently transferred USD 21,000 in foreign currency along with MVR 63,000 out of the account, bringing the total stolen to over USD 25,085.
Following an immediate investigation into the reported theft, police apprehended four suspects:
- Ibrahim Shareef, 34, (Golden Gate, Gn. Fuvahmulah)
- Jinah Ahmed, 29, (Matharesmaage, F. Feeali)
- Ibrahim Muaz, 38, (Nazumu, F. Nilandhoo)
- Ali Daain, 21, (Lily Night, L. Gan)
Authorities confirmed that three of the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, while the fourth was apprehended the following day.
Upon being produced before the court for their remand hearings, all four individuals were ordered detained in custody for a period of 15 days as investigations continue.
