32 arrested in Maldives, in four-month multinational operation
12 ޖޫން 2025 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:42MPS participated in Interpol's 'Operation Secure' aimed at dismantling cybercrime infrastructure
A special national security-related operation conducted by MPS and MNDF - 10 March 2025
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that 32 individuals were arrested in a special operation conducted by the Maldives Police Service as part of "Operation Secure," which was led by Interpol and carried out over four months.
On Thursday, the police revealed that the Cyber Crime Center participated in ‘Operation Secure,’ which was initiated by Interpol.
The operation was aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of those who commit crimes via the internet, with many countries participating. The operation was conducted through Interpol's Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime (ASPJOC). 26 countries participated in the operation.
The police institution highlighted that during this operation, which was carried out from January to April 2025, more than 20,000 IP addresses and domains related to information-stealing malware were eliminated.
"Information stealers" are dangerous malware designed to steal important information such as browser credentials, passwords, credit card information, and cryptocurrency wallet information. The police institution revealed that such information is also used to carry out further cyber attacks.
MPS noted that as part of ‘Operation Secure’, the Cyber Crime Center of the Maldives Police Service investigated information related to the Maldives. They said that in this work, in addition to Interpol, they worked with other relevant agencies, collected intelligence information, and analyzed that information.
The work done by the Maldives Police Service in this operation includes compiling reports and sharing relevant findings with other participants in the operation. Further, they obtained information needed to identify dangerous activities related to the Maldives.
The police said that a total of 41 servers and more than 100 gigabytes of data were seized in this operation, and 32 individuals were arrested in connection with illegal cyber activities. They also said that more than 216,000 victims and potential victims were informed about the situation and instructed to take protective measures.
Regarding the operation, the Head of the Cyber Crime Center said that ‘Operation Secure’ alone demonstrates the importance that the Maldives Police Service places on combating cyber crimes at both national and international levels. He also said that such collaborative efforts with Interpol and other participating countries are essential to eliminate criminal networks that pose a threat to individuals and businesses.
He further stated that they are working to enhance the capabilities of the Cyber Crime Center to increase the safety and security of the Maldives' digital environment. He also said that they place great importance on obtaining international cooperation and working together.
