Police arrest four in BML account OTP scam, MVR 63,000 and USD 21,000 stolen

Police have begun investigating a scam in which OTP codes were obtained to withdraw money from a person’s BML account, resulting in the theft of MVR 63,000 and USD 21,000 from that account. According to the police, on the 24th of last month, unknown persons contacted an individual, obtained their OTP code, used it to gain bank access, and subsequently fraudulently withdrew the money. The case has been reported. Police stated that four people have been arrested in connection with the case: Ibrahim Sharif (34M) from G. Fuwwahmulaku / Doodigandu, Golden Gate; Jina Ahmed (29M) from F. Fiyali / Matheresmagu; Ibrahim Muaz (38M) from F. Nilandhoo / Nazmu; and Ali Daain (21M) from L. Gan / Mathimarandu, Lilinight. Three were arrested last Wednesday, and the fourth was arrested on Thursday. When brought before the court to decide on detention, Jina Ahmed was ordered to be detained for 10 days, and the other three individuals were ordered to be detained for 15 days. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohammed stated on the 18th of last month that compared to the first six months of last year, cybercrime cases during the same period this year have doubled, attributing the rise to public lack of attention and insufficient awareness of cybercrimes. Police are continuing to further investigate the case.