A 34-year-old man has been taken into custody following accusations of impersonating Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. The suspect, Hadyat Ali, a resident of Wainibuku in Nakasi, allegedly solicited money through messages sent via the messaging platform Viber. He appeared in the Nasinu Magistrates Court, where he faces a charge of identity theft under the Cybercrime Act of 2021.
Ali is set to return to court next Thursday for a plea hearing. This incident reflects a troubling trend of online scams proliferating in the region, as individuals exploit communication platforms to mislead and defraud unsuspecting victims.
In a related case, a 35-year-old man has also been charged with fraud for allegedly tricking a victim into providing a one-time PIN code, from which he obtained over $300. These incidents underscore the escalating concern over cybercrime and the essential need for mobile users to remain vigilant.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited requests for money, particularly through digital channels. They emphasize the importance of verifying the identities of individuals before sharing personal information or funds. As these cases progress, they serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals and the vital need for enhanced security measures in online interactions.