Transport ministry resolves fake domain issue with new system

Transport minister Mohamed Ameen on Thursday announced the successful resolution of the longstanding issue surrounding fake domains after months of concerted effort and the introduction of a new secure registry system for certificates and domain records.

The domain issue, which has plagued the ministry for years, has caused confusion and raised concerns about the integrity of domain sales. Fake domains were sold at various levels, leading to potential financial losses and security risks. 

Ameen confirmed on Thursday that this problem has now been addressed with the implementation of a comprehensive and secure system within the ministry.

The minister had first acknowledged the seriousness of the fake domain problem in May. At that time, he outlined plans to combat the issue by introducing state-of-the-art software and offering one- or two-digit domains for sale. The goal was to ensure that every domain transaction was traceable and secure, thus minimising the risk of fraud.

Speaking on Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), Ameen revealed that the new system had been successfully implemented, ensuring a much-needed upgrade to the ministry’s domain management processes. This registry will not only help track domain ownership but will also provide several security features aimed at reducing the risk of future fraud.

According to Ameen, this step represents the resolution of "the most chaotic and confusing domain issue within the ministry."

He emphasised that the new system is a vital step toward fostering trust and transparency within government operations. 

Records from the transport ministry reveal that more than 700 fake domains had been sold over the years, with many transactions lacking proper documentation. At present, domains with three or four digits are still in use, but with the new system, a more secure and transparent approach will be taken moving forward.

Previously, the sale of these domains was shrouded in irregularities. There were reports of domains being sold without proper records, often in a manner that bypassed established procedures. The ministry had documented these irregular sales in three books, but a complete matrix record was missing, which further exacerbated the problem.

Ameen had promised in the past that the ministry would take steps to rectify this. This included:

While the exact financial impact of the domain theft remains unclear, it is believed that millions of Maldivian Rufiyaa were lost in fraudulent domain transactions. Neither the previous administration nor the current government has provided a concrete estimate of the theft’s value, but the new system is expected to provide greater oversight and prevent such losses in the future.