The Maldives Police Service has arrested three men in connection with two separate fraud cases involving Facebook Marketplace, where buyers were allegedly deceived into transferring a combined MVR 60,000 for a dinghy and an engine advertised for sale.
The arrests were made in N. Holhudhoo and N. Velidhoo following investigations into complaints involving individuals who allegedly used the online marketplace to obtain money from unsuspecting buyers.
Police identified the suspects as Ali Affan, 32, of Heenage, N. Holhudhoo; Mohamed Hameed, 34, of Plaza, N. Holhudhoo; and Hissan Ali, 34, of Venus, N. Velidhoo.
According to police, Hissan Ali was arrested in connection with a transaction involving the purported sale of a dinghy through Facebook Marketplace.
The incident took place on September 2, 2026, when the suspect allegedly communicated with a prospective buyer through the platform and obtained MVR 30,000 by presenting the transaction as a legitimate sale.
Police said the money was obtained fraudulently, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
Hissan was arrested in N. Velidhoo on October 25 under a court-issued warrant.
Following his arrest, he was presented before the court for a remand hearing, during which he was ordered to remain in custody for 15 days.
The other two suspects, Ali Affan and Mohamed Hameed, were arrested in connection with a separate case involving the alleged fraudulent sale of an engine.
Police said the incident occurred on August 7, 2026, when the two men allegedly obtained MVR 30,000 from a buyer after offering an engine for sale through Facebook Marketplace.
The suspects were arrested in N. Holhudhoo on October 24 under court orders issued in connection with the investigation.
Both men were subsequently brought before the court, which ordered them to be remanded in custody for 15 days.
The two cases involved similar methods, with buyers allegedly transferring substantial sums of money after communicating with individuals advertising goods through the online platform.
Facebook Marketplace allows individuals and businesses to advertise products and communicate directly with prospective buyers, making it a widely accessible platform for buying and selling goods.
However, transactions arranged through social media can expose buyers to fraud when payments are made before the advertised products have been inspected or delivered.
In the Maldives, online marketplaces have become a convenient means of trading a wide range of products, including household items, electronics, vehicles and marine equipment.
Marine equipment such as dinghies and outboard engines can involve significant financial transactions, particularly in island communities where boats remain essential for transport, fishing and commercial activities.
The two cases under investigation involved MVR 30,000 each, bringing the combined amount allegedly obtained through the transactions to MVR 60,000.
Online sales fraud commonly involves individuals advertising products, negotiating payments with interested buyers and receiving money without completing the agreed transaction.
Such cases can be particularly challenging for buyers when transactions are arranged through informal channels without the safeguards associated with established commercial platforms.
The Maldives Police Service has previously encouraged members of the public to exercise caution when conducting financial transactions online, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar sellers.
Verifying the identity of sellers, confirming the availability and ownership of advertised products, and avoiding advance payments without sufficient assurance are among the precautions that can help reduce exposure to online scams.
The latest arrests highlight the risks associated with fraudulent advertisements and payment requests made through social media marketplaces.
Police confirmed that investigations into both cases remain ongoing.
