Two Arrested After MVR 92,000 Lost in Telegram Link Scam

Two people have been arrested in connection with an online scam in which an individual lost MVR 92,000 after clicking a link sent by someone they met through a Telegram group and sharing a one-time password (OTP) code.

Police said the case was reported on 17 August after an unknown transaction transferred MVR 92,000 from the victim’s account. Investigators subsequently identified the owner of the account that received the money and another person allegedly involved in the offence.

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The suspects were identified as Mohamed Fazeel, 23, of Finepark, HA. Hoarafushi, and Abshar Rasheed, 23, of Finebeach, GDh. Fiyoaree. Police arrested both under court warrants on 18 August.

The Criminal Court remanded both suspects in custody for 15 days following their remand hearing. Police are continuing to investigate the case.

Police urged the public not to open links received from unknown sources or share OTP codes with others. They also advised people to verify the identity of individuals and businesses before carrying out online purchases or financial transactions and to avoid sharing personal or banking information.