Maldives Police Service has launched probe into sale of a database containing personal information of the public.
PSM News has learnt the database is sold by Abdulla Shuhood, a consultant working at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Shuhood was appointed to the position by the previous administration. He has sold the database to some candidates competing in the parliamentary elections.
PSM News also learnt Shuhood began selling the database for about USD 1,600 after Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) announced the candidates competing in the parliamentary elections. The application stolen from IGMH show ID card numbers and pictures.
Shuhood who attained higher education in the field of information technology previously served as an ICT Consultant at Intel Investment and Management Services Private Limited. Moreover, he worked as a software developer at IGMH.
The police revealed an investigation has been launched now.
ECM expressed concern that personal information are being shared during the run up to the elections. Spokesperson and member of ECM Ahmed Akram called on the authorities to take necessary action against such illegal activities. He assured the information was not leaked from ECM as the electoral body does not collect pictures and phone numbers of individuals voting in the elections.