3 more arrested in social media account hacking case

Three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with a case involving the compromise of a man’s social media accounts and the unauthorised withdrawal of more than MVR 279,000 from the bank account of a company in which he holds shares.

The arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation by the Maldives Police Service.

Police said the investigation, which began on Tuesday, is being conducted with the assistance of police units in Thinadhoo and Hithadhoo.

The three suspects arrested most recently are:

Munaz Jaufar was remanded in custody for 15 days, Hassan Viam for 10 days, and Mohamed Naish Nabil for seven days.

With the latest arrests, the total number of suspects in custody has risen to 13. Ten individuals had previously been arrested in connection with the case.

Those suspects are:

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

All 10 earlier suspects were produced before the court for remand hearings. 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 investigations into the case are continuing.