The Maldives Police Service has arrested ten individuals in connection with a scam involving the hacking of social media accounts and the fraudulent withdrawal of funds from a company’s bank account.

Police said the arrests were made under a court order as part of an investigation into a case in which more than MVR 279,600 was withdrawn from the account of a company in which the victim holds shares.

The operation, which began on 21 January, was jointly conducted by the Gang Crimes Unit, Himmafushi Police and Addu City Hithadhoo Police. One suspect was arrested from Himmafushi, three from Addu City, and the remaining six from Malé City.

According to police, six of the suspects deposited money obtained through the scam into their personal bank accounts before withdrawing the funds. One suspect is alleged to have used the stolen money to make payments to various businesses for the purchase of goods, while three others are accused of facilitating ATM withdrawals by transporting individuals to withdraw the fraudulent cash.

All suspects were presented before the court for remand hearings. The court ordered Mohamed Ibrahim to be remanded in custody for five days, Mohamed Ali and Mohamed Hassan for seven days each, and Ali Irufan Ahmed Didi for ten days. The remaining six suspects were remanded in custody for 15 days.

Police said the case remains under investigation by the Anti-Scam Centre. According to the centre, 37 per cent of funds lost to scams have been recovered since its establishment, with investigations ongoing into reported cases.