10 arrested over social media hacking and bank fraud

Police have arrested 10 people in connection with a case involving the compromise of a man’s social media accounts and the withdrawal of more than MVR 279,600 from the bank account of a company in which he holds shares.

The arrests were made under a court order following a complaint that access to the victim’s social media accounts had been obtained without authorisation and funds were transferred from the company’s account. One suspect was arrested in K. Hinmafushi, three in Addu, and the remaining suspects in Malé.

Those arrested are:

Police said six of the suspects deposited the transferred money into their own accounts. One suspect deposited funds into business accounts and used them to purchase goods. The remaining three suspects are accused of taking other individuals to ATMs and withdrawing cash through them.

All 10 suspects were produced before the court for a decision on remand. Mohamed Ibrahim was remanded in custody for five days. Mohamed Ali and Mohamed Hassan were remanded for seven days. Ali Irfan Ahmed Didi was remanded for 10 days, while six others were remanded for 15 days.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.