Zaidhan Mohamed Hashim, a suspected serial scammer, has been arrested once again along with his wife, Afrin Akther, for allegedly using fake payment slips to fraudulently obtain goods from multiple shops.

According to the Maldives Police Service, the couple was arrested on June 17 under a court order. The case began when police received a report of fake transfer slips being used at a shop in Hulhumalé. Further investigation revealed that similar transactions had occurred at two additional shops in Malé.

Police said that Zaidhan had sent invalid payment slips on various dates in May to the Hulhumalé store. CCTV footage later showed him transporting the goods to apartments in the Hiyaa flats, where the couple resides. Based on the evidence collected, investigators linked him to similar scams at two other outlets in Malé.

The couple is accused of fraudulently obtaining MVR 36,467 worth of goods from the Hulhumalé store, MVR 31,150 from one shop in Malé, and MVR 5,817 from another. Zaidhan has been remanded for 15 days, while Afrin has been remanded for five days.

Police further noted that Zaidhan is currently under investigation in 11 separate fraud cases, with two charges already filed. He was previously arrested on May 22 in connection with a scam involving the food delivery service Foodies, where he allegedly placed 30 orders worth over MVR 9,000 using fake payment slips.