Police have successfully recovered and returned over MVR 80,000 for goods obtained through fraudulent transfer slips in a multi-shop scam orchestrated by 28‑year‑old Zaidhan Mohamed Hashim. His accomplice in the case, 30‑year‑old Bangladeshi national Afrin Akhtar, was also apprehended. Both were arrested under a court order on June 17 but have since been released from custody.
Police began investigating after a complaint was filed on May 16 concerning invalid slips used at a Hulhumalé store. Further inquiry revealed additional fraudulent transactions at multiple outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé, brought to light by CCTV footage showing the suspects bringing goods into two rental apartments at Hiyaa Flats. Searches of these premises yielded items directly linked to the investigation.
According to police figures, the recovered haul included goods valued at MVR 36,467 from a Hulhumalé shop, MVR 31,150 from one shop in Malé, and MVR 5,817 from another—totaling more than MVR 80,000.
During the June 17 detention hearing, Zaidhan was remanded for 15 days, while Afrin Akhtar received a five‑day detention order. After authorities deemed further custody unnecessary for the ongoing probe, both were released.
Zaidhan remains under investigation in connection with 11 suspected fraud cases. Police confirm two of these cases are currently active in court proceedings.
Police urge businesses and consumers to verify transaction slips directly with banks before releasing goods, highlighting the wider trend of transfer‑slip scams in the Maldives as these investigations unfold.
