The Maldives Police Service has announced the recovery of more than MVR 80,000 in connection with a scam investigation involving G. Sinamale 1 05-13 resident Zaidan Mohamed Hashim (28) and his wife Afrin Akther (30). Both individuals, previously arrested for multiple fraudulent transactions using fake bank transfer slips, have been released from custody as their continued detention was deemed unnecessary.
The police confirmed that the recovered funds have been returned to the affected businesses. Investigations revealed that fraudulent transfer slips were used to obtain goods from several shops in Male’ and Hulhumale’. The case was first reported on May 16 after multiple incidents earlier that month where fake slips were used to purchase items from a Hulhumale’ shop.
CCTV footage showed Zaidan moving allegedly fraudulently obtained goods into two Hiyaa flats he had rented. A search of these apartments uncovered items linked to the case. Zaidan and Afrin were arrested on June 17 under a court order, with detention initially set for 15 and 5 days, respectively.
Police confirmed that while the couple has been released, investigations into the matter are ongoing.