Three Arrested in Maldives for WhatsApp Scam Stealing MVR 32,000

Police in the Maldives have arrested three individuals on suspicion of scamming MVR 32,000 through an online scheme using WhatsApp. The arrests were made following a complaint filed on the 13th of this month. The suspects have been identified as Hussain Saamir, 40, from H. Velasfaru; Mohamed Rihaam, 33, from Dha. No. 6007; and Ahmed Sujaau, 46, from Jozedgevilaa, Male’. They were produced before the court, which ordered Saamir and Sujaau to be remanded for 15 days, and Rihaam for 7 days. Police stated that the scam was carried out via WhatsApp conversations. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have urged the public to avoid clicking on unknown links sent online, not to share OTP codes, and to verify the authenticity of parties involved in online transactions. They also advised against sharing personal and banking details with others.