Cybercrime cases in Maldives surge 105% as online shopping scams rise

Cybercrime cases reported in the Maldives have more than doubled in the first six months of 2026, with online shopping scams emerging as the biggest threat, according to statistics released by the Maldives Police Service.

Police recorded 1,053 cybercrime cases between January and June this year, a 105 percent increase from the 512 cases reported during the same period in 2025. Of these, 884 cases remain under investigation, while 457 cases have been completed with legal action.

The increase was mainly driven by a surge in online fraud, with criminals using digital platforms to deceive victims and steal money. Online shopping scams saw the biggest rise, increasing from 86 cases last year to 464 this year, a 439 percent jump, making it the most reported cybercrime category. Social media scams also rose sharply, from 15 cases to 109, a 626 percent increase, while foreign currency exchange fraud increased from 56 to 103 cases.

Meanwhile, some cyber offences declined. Blackmail involving explicit content dropped by 75 percent, from 16 cases to four, while hacked social media account cases fell by 29 percent, from 37 to 26. Credit and debit card fraud also slightly decreased from 65 to 63 cases.

During the first half of the year, police provided technical assistance to 182 cybercrime victims and helped recover 120 compromised social media accounts.

Police awareness programmes reached 3,143 people, including students, parents and office employees, as authorities urged the public to verify online sellers and avoid sharing personal or banking information.