Maafushi Prison operation: Phones, sim cards and drugs seized

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that phones, sim cards and drugs were seized during a search operation at Maafushi Prison carried out jointly by MPS, Maldives National Defense Force, and Maldives Correctional Service.

The operation was launched in response to a request from Corrections for a search operation, following information they received of crimes taking place inside the prison, including scams and promotion of terrorism using contraband.

The operation which commenced on Tuesday night, concluded on Wednesday afternoon. Corrections said that the operation proceeded without any resistance or protest.

Police detailed that phones, sim cards and drugs were seized during this operation.

However, Corrections did not detail the exact number of contraband seized.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed recently said that close to 1,000 scam complaints have been lodged so far this year, resulting in MVR 23 million in financial losses.

And according to Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu, jammers installed at the prison to stop scam calls by inmates proved to be ineffective.

He stressed the need for additional resources and legislative changes to tackle the issue.

The Attorney General’s Office has drafted key legislative changes to criminalize cybercrime, and establish policies for investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes.

The drafts were sent to the President’s Office for review in late November.

Meanwhile, Maldives has also changed policies on issuance of SIM cards to tackle the issue.