Police have arrested two local men for stealing USD 2,000 from a man after blackmailing the victim.
Police identified the suspects as 27-year-old Mohamed Nabeel of Mahchangoalhi Cool Wave and 28-year-old Ali Ishaad of Gaafu Beruge.
Authorities have remanded the two in police custody for 15 days.
Court documents show that Nabeel had transferred USD 2,000 from the victim's account to his own account and that he was arrested with MVR 24,000 cash on his person.
The documents also show that Nabeel had committed the crimes using a social media app and that Ishaad had acted as his accomplice.
It also said that both the suspects have been arrested on similar charges before and that they had also been accused of stealing and drug abuse as well.
Police have said recently that such cases are on the rise and many are falling victim to blackmail and theft through social media apps.
Police said that criminals are using women of different ages to lure victims into their scams.
