Masha Midhath   20 August 2024 - 04:59 PM
Mauroof Zakir, MP for Kendhoo constituency.
Mauroof Zakir, MP for Kendhoo constituency.
Mauroof Zakir, MP for Kendhoo constituency, has raised concerns over the frequent scam cases involving the Bank of Maldives (BML) during a parliamentary debate on the Criminal Procedure Act Amendment Bill. Speaking today, Mauroof highlighted the alarming recurrence of scams impacting BML accounts, stressing the need for more effective measures to combat these fraudulent activities.

Mauroof pointed out that similar scams have been increasing in the Maldives, where some major cases are allegedly linked to assistance from enforcement agencies. He described how scammers exploit unsuspecting individuals by sending deceptive links, sometimes masquerading as trusted entities, which lead victims into traps.

His remarks elicited some dissatisfaction among fellow MPs who took issue with the generalizations about the involvement of specific individuals or agencies. Mauroof clarified that his intent was to address the broader issue of scam prevalence rather than targeting specific persons.

According to recent figures from the Bank of Maldives, over 1,400 scam cases have been reported this year alone, with 700 of these occurring in the second quarter. Last year, the bank recorded 1,661 fraud cases, resulting in a loss of MVR 20 million. These statistics underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory measures and enhanced protection against financial fraud.