Police have arrested 10 people in connection with a case involving the alleged compromise of a man’s social media accounts and the theft of a large sum of money from a company bank account in which he owns shares.

According to police, the suspects were arrested under a court order as part of an operation launched on January 21 by the Gang Crime Unit, Himmafushi Police, and Addu City Hithadhoo Police. The arrests were made in Malé City, Himmafushi, and Addu City. One suspect was arrested from Himmafushi, three from Addu City, and the remaining individuals from Malé City.

Police said more than MVR 279,600 was withdrawn from the company’s bank account. Investigations revealed that six of the suspects had deposited money obtained through the scam into their bank accounts and later withdrew it. One suspect allegedly used the funds to make payments to various businesses and purchase goods, while three others reportedly withdrew cash from ATMs and handed the money over to others.

The court has ordered different remand periods for the suspects, ranging from five to 15 days. The case is currently being investigated by the Police Anti-Scam Center.