Man remanded in custody for 15 days over scam linked bank withdrawals

A man has been remanded in custody for 15 days for allegedly withdrawing money from a bank account used to deposit funds obtained through scams.

The Criminal Court issued the remand order yesterday against Mohamed Simad, Panama, Haa Alifu Kelaa.

According to the court order, police submitted bank records and investigation statements as evidence in support of the charges. Police also informed the court that similar cases had previously been filed against the suspect.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Scam Centre has recovered 37 percent of funds lost to scams in the 10 months since its establishment in March last year.

Speaking at a press conference held at Iskandharu Koshi last month, Head of the Anti-Scam Centre, Inspector of Police Adam Naveed, said the unit has achieved positive results in both preventing scams and recovering stolen funds.

Naveed said the centre prioritises recovering money immediately after a scam is reported, while also working to prevent further victims by disabling the tools and channels used by scammers.

According to police statistics, more than 6,000 people were affected by scams between 2021 and the establishment of the Anti-Scam Centre, with losses exceeding MVR 110 million.