A 34-year-old man has been remanded in custody following allegations of impersonating Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. The accused, Hadyat Ali from Wainibuku, Nakasi, reportedly solicited money through messages sent via Viber. He appeared in the Nasinu Magistrates Court, facing one charge of identity theft under the Cybercrime Act of 2021.
Ali is scheduled to return to the court next Thursday for a plea hearing.
This incident is part of a broader trend of online scams in the region, where individuals misuse communication platforms to defraud victims. In a separate case, a 35-year-old man faced similar charges for fraudulently obtaining over $300 from a victim by misleading them about a one-time PIN code. Both cases highlight the growing concern of cybercrime and the need for increased vigilance among mobile users.
The authorities are urging the public to be cautious when receiving unexpected requests for money, especially through digital platforms, and to verify the identities of individuals before sharing personal information or funds. As these cases unfold, they serve as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals and the importance of security in online interactions.