MPS recovers over MVR 3.1 million lost to scams through participation in "Operation Confrontation Ghost"

The Maldives Police Service's Anti-Scam Centre has successfully recovered over MVR 3.1 million lost by the public to fraudulent schemes as part of "Operation Confrontation Ghost," an international initiative led by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Police stated that during a joint operation involving 30 countries and international organizations to combat digital and internet-based financial crimes, a significant percentage of the funds reported stolen to the Maldives' Anti-Scam Center was successfully recovered.

Police stated that a total of 544 scam cases were reported to the Anti-Scam Centre during the three-month operation conducted from July 1 to September 30 this year.

Records indicate that the public suffered a total financial loss of MVR 5,256,101.97 in these cases. However, police stated that MVR 3,104,075.38 has been successfully recovered through the swift intervention of the Police Anti-Scam Center and collaborative efforts with relevant financial institutions.

This represents approximately 59.1 percent of the total reported stolen funds. According to the police, this outcome was achieved through proactive measures taken to intercept and freeze the funds before they could be circulated by fraudsters.

Police stated that during this period, 847 individuals have been identified as suspects in connection with fraudulent scam transactions. Furthermore, police confirmed that 17 individuals have been arrested in relation to these ongoing investigations.

Furthermore, police stated that they have taken swift action in collaboration with banks to prevent the further circulation of illicit funds and to safeguard lost assets. As part of these efforts, 1,088 bank accounts suspected of involvement in criminal activity have been temporarily frozen.

Police stated that this is a significant step toward mitigating the financial losses of scam victims and dismantling the financial operations of criminal networks.

Maldives Police Service recovers over 3.1 million Rufiyaa lost to scams through participation in "Operation Confrontation Ghost" | Maldives Police Service

Regarding the types of cases reported in the Maldives, the police stated that the most prevalent incidents involve scams carried out under the guise of e-commerce or online businesses.

According to the police, 230 of the reported cases involved scams conducted through online platforms and pages during the buying and selling of goods. The second most frequently reported incidents involved scams carried out under the guise of foreign currency exchange. Police confirmed that 107 such cases were recorded during this period.

Furthermore, police noted a recent surge in a new type of scam in the Maldives, involving fraudulent schemes carried out under the guise of booking cancellations and processing refunds.

Maldives Police Service Participates in "Operation Confrontation Ghost," Recovering Over 3.1 Million Rufiyaa Lost to Scams | Maldives Police Service

During this period, the Anti-Scam Center received 80 such reports. These included 43 cases of impersonation involving government agencies, public figures, family members, or friends to obtain money under false pretenses. Additionally, authorities recorded 32 cases of fraudulent high-yield investment schemes, 27 instances of unauthorized transactions conducted without the account holder's knowledge, and 8 cases of romance scams used to solicit funds.

Police stated that these cases highlight the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals in the online environment.

"Operation Confrontation Ghost" is a major collaborative initiative led by the UAE Ministry of Interior, involving Interpol, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), 13 private technology and financial firms, and law enforcement agencies from 30 countries worldwide. The primary objective of the operation was to dismantle fraudulent schemes utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), combat financial scams perpetrated through digital platforms, and target online extortion rackets.

Regarding the international outcomes of this operation, over 123.71 million attempts at online fraud were successfully thwarted. Furthermore, authorities identified more than $39 billion in suspected illicit funds and digital assets. The crackdown led to the arrest of over 960 individuals worldwide, with more than 3,500 additional suspects identified.

Furthermore, it has been noted that more than 15,500 individuals fell victim to these crimes, while over 9,000 pieces of classified intelligence were exchanged between participating nations. Additionally, authorities froze 4,126 bank accounts, took down more than 570 social media accounts used for fraudulent activities, and raided 29 illegal scam centers. These results were officially disclosed on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, held in Vienna, Austria.

Police have stated that the Anti-Scam Center is prioritizing public awareness initiatives alongside investigative and enforcement efforts to combat fraudulent activities.

Police stated that during the operation, 34 awareness sessions were conducted, including television programs and various other outreach activities.