10 arrested in theft of MVR 279,000 in large-scale scam by hacking social media accounts

Maldives Police Service has arrested 10 individuals on suspicion of hacking a person’s social media accounts and stealing over MVR 279,000 from their bank accounts.

The Police said the 10 suspects were arrested under a court order during an operation linked to a case involving the hacking of an individual’s social media accounts and stealing over MVR 279,000 from their bank accounts.

The operation was jointly conducted by the Gang Crimes Unit, Himmafushi Police and Addu Hithadhoo Police.

The 10 suspects have been identified as all men. They are:

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

One of the suspects was arrested from Himaafushi and three others from Addu City. All remaining suspects were arrested from Male’ City.

According to police, six of the 10 suspects deposited money obtained through the scam into their own accounts and later withdrew the funds. One suspect used the stolen money to pay various businesses for goods purchases, while the remaining three suspects withdrew stolen funds from ATMs through third parties.

Upon presentation before the court, Mohamed Ibrahim has been 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’s Anti-Scam Centre.