Statistics from the Maldives Police Service reveal that reports of cybercrimes involving the internet and technology platforms have surged by over 105 percent in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. Data shows that there were 512 cybercrime cases reported in the first six months of the previous year, which increased significantly to 1,053 cases during the same timeframe this year. The police indicated that 884 investigations are still ongoing, while 457 cases—some reported prior to this period—have been resolved and closed after necessary actions were taken.

An analysis of the reported offenses shows a dramatic rise in online shopping scams, which jumped from 86 cases to 464, a 439 percent increase, making it the most common and fastest-growing cybercrime category this year. Social media scams also saw a substantial growth, increasing by 626 percent from 15 to 109 cases. Additionally, foreign currency exchange scams grew by 83 percent, from 56 to 103 cases. Police noted that 90 percent of these scams are carried out by individuals operating within the country.

Officials attributed the sharp rise in cybercrime mainly to the increasing prevalence of online fraud. The data suggests that criminals are increasingly using digital platforms to deceive the public, with a notable uptick in scams on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

Despite the rise in fraud-related crimes, there has been a decline in offenses involving personal data and defamation, which were more prevalent in previous years. Cases of blackmail using explicit material decreased by 75 percent, from 16 to 4. Similarly, hacking of personal social media accounts dropped from 37 to 26 cases, and credit or debit card fraud slightly declined from 65 to 63 cases.

The Maldives Police Service has prioritized helping cybercrime victims and recovering stolen assets. In the first half of this year, technical support was provided to the public 182 times, and the police facilitated the recovery of 120 compromised accounts on platforms including Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook.

Highlighting public awareness as a key preventative measure, police have conducted informational sessions for 3,143 individuals this year, including 1,972 students, 743 parents, and 428 office workers. The Maldives Police Service has also set up a dedicated Anti-Scam Centre to combat the increasing threat of online fraud.

As cybercriminal tactics evolve with technological advancements, authorities have urged the public to stay vigilant, especially regarding content generated through Artificial Intelligence (AI). They emphasized that awareness and caution are the best defenses against cybercrime. People are advised to verify the legitimacy of individuals and organizations involved in online transactions and avoid sharing personal or banking information.

For suspected fraud or cybercrime victims, police encourage immediate reporting by calling the hotline at 125. The Anti-Scam Centre is actively investigating several ongoing cases.