Security.
Members of the Parole Board were dismissed over the unlawful granting of parole, and the parole granted to Abdulla Ibrahim (Aboocha) of S. Hithadhoo, who was serving a 25-year prison sentence in a narcotics case, was revoked, resulting in his re-arrest on October 6, 2026. Hussain Shifau, who is serving a 109-year prison sentence in fraud and embezzlement cases, was transferred to house arrest for one month for medical treatment. The Gadhdhoo Magistrate Court sentenced Ali Shazeen of Noorigé, GDh. Gadhdhoo, to 25 years in prison along with a fine of one hundred thousand Rufiyaa over the concealment of drugs on agricultural land in GDh. Gan. Police warned the public to beware of scams conducted by calling in the name of the police to obtain OTPs and bank information, as well as dangerous phishing emails targeting state institutions. Noting that 16 out of the 41 scam cases reported in the past week involved dollar exchange fraud, resulting in damages of 386,611.68 Rufiyaa, police urged the public not to engage in banking and currency exchange transactions conducted by unauthorized parties.
Determining that the decision to release Abdulla Ibrahim (Abucha) on parole, who was serving a prison sentence for running a major drug network in Addu City, was unlawful, his parole was revoked, and he was re-arrested and returned to prison on 6 October 2026. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan stated at a press conference held at the President's Office that the Parole Board acted in violation of statutory procedures in releasing Abucha. In connection with this matter, the government has dismissed the members of the Parole Board who participated in making that decision and has begun work to reconstitute the board.
Hussain Shifau, who is serving a 109-year prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining goods by sending forged telegraphic transfers (TTs), has been temporarily transferred to house arrest for medical treatment. Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan said that Shifau was transferred to house arrest for a period of one month under the procedure followed in situations where treatment cannot be provided while in prison pursuant to the Prisons Act. He also noted that it was decided to grant an additional two months if his health condition does not improve, that this leniency was granted under specific conditions, and that if he violates those conditions he will be immediately returned to prison. Following this decision, widespread public attention has once again turned to this case.
A person was sentenced by court to life imprisonment on October 6, 2026, after being found guilty of hiding drugs on agricultural land. Following the conviction of the drug charges filed by the state in this case, the individual was sentenced to life imprisonment, the maximum penalty prescribed by law. As relevant authorities take strict measures to prevent the misuse of agricultural areas for drug trafficking and concealment, this verdict serves as a strong warning to perpetrators of such crimes.
The Maldives Police Service on October 6, 2026, warned to be vigilant against dangerous emails and scams being sent targeting government institutions and the public in the name of the police and trusted authorities; the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) of the police revealed that these emails, masquerading as official invitations and documents, contain malicious links and files in an attempt to steal sensitive information such as usernames and passwords. As these activities are believed to be targeted, organized cyber attacks, the police urged the public not to open any suspicious links or attachments and to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on official accounts. The police, in coordination with relevant authorities, are taking measures to further investigate these issues and block dangerous websites.
In connection with a case being investigated by the Complex Financial Investigation of the Economic Crime Investigation of the Maldives Police Service, a special operation was conducted on 6 October 2026 on suspicion of providing unauthorized banking services and illegally buying and selling foreign currency. In this operation conducted in collaboration with the Task Force, a total of five people, including four foreigners and a Maldivian, as well as a shop and a foreigner's residence were searched. The police informed that this was an operation conducted to halt unauthorized financial transactions and dollar exchange issues, and that the police are currently investigating this matter further.
