The Maldivian Parliament has passed legislation granting police the authority to freeze bank accounts linked to scam cases without requiring a court order. The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act passed unanimously with 58 votes during today’s parliamentary session.

The legislation, introduced by Maldivian Democratic Party MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) of Galolhu North constituency, responds to law enforcement's call for expedited action against financial fraud. Police had previously highlighted the need for immediate intervention capabilities in cases where fraudulent transactions are detected.

The bill primarily targets the rising tide of cybercrime in the Maldives, where criminals increasingly exploit technological platforms for fraudulent activities. It establishes new procedural frameworks for investigating and prosecuting offences involving computer systems and electronic evidence.

Beyond account freezing powers, the legislation strengthens law enforcement agencies' investigative capabilities and establishes comprehensive protocols for handling digital crime cases. These measures aim to modernise the country's approach to combating technology-enabled financial crimes.