Maldives Police have arrested two men accused of operating a blackmail and extortion scheme involving explicit images.

The suspects — 29-year-old Mohamed Zameer and 37-year-old Ali Haisal — were taken into custody on 4 September during an operation at an apartment in Hulhumalé.

Police said the men targeted victims through Facebook Messenger, claiming to possess compromising photos. After arranging meetings, they coerced victims into undressing, recorded them, and then extorted money. The suspects allegedly continued to use the images and videos to demand further payments.

Authorities confirmed that three similar cases have been reported so far. Both men remain in remand custody pending investigation.

Police have urged anyone who may have faced similar threats from the suspects to come forward and contact them.