Authorities issue manhunt for fraud suspect

Maldives Police Service on Sunday, announced a manhunt on a local individual suspected of fraud and misappropriation of money.

According to the law enforcement authority, it was tracing the whereabouts of one Thalhat Wafir, aged 49, of Nasreenuge, Maadhandu, Fuvahmulah City for his suspected involvement in a case investigated by Hulhumale' Phase 2 Police Department.

Police said it has not been able to issue a summoning to the suspect since his current whereabouts are unknown.

The authority, in accordance with Article 27 of the Police Procedure Regulation, has demanded the suspect to attend Hulhumale' Phase 2 Police Station or the closest station from his current location before Sunday, next week.

Cases of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds has been rising in the country more recent. Earlier on Wednesday last week, Police issued manhunt for three individuals on similar cases as well.

Earlier, police revealed a reported total of 1,081 scam cases in 2022, which dropped to 971 cases last year. Despite a decline in cases in 2023, the total loss was higher last year compared to the year before.

Several scam cases have been reported so far this year as well.