The Maldives Police Service has revealed that certain Telegram channels involved in the distribution of illegal content have also exposed the identities of minors, raising serious concerns about child safety and exploitation. These channels were found to be sharing explicit materials involving women and children, with the identities of some of the minors openly revealed.
During a press briefing, Cyber Crime Investigator Azeef Abbas confirmed that law enforcement has discovered child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the channels, with minors being identified through posted images and videos. “It is alarming to note that materials involving children under the age of 18 were shared in a manner that revealed their identities,” Abbas stated.
Coercion and Threats
The investigation uncovered that the operators of these channels had coerced their victims into providing explicit material through threats and blackmail. "Victims were subjected to threats, and their personal content was shared without consent," Abbas said. He emphasized that law enforcement is taking these cases seriously, especially given the involvement of children.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the operation of these channels: Zubair Ali from ADh. Mahibadhoo, Nasif Ali (Malé Registration Number 14751), and Ismail Rabeeh from K. Kaashidhoo. The suspects are currently in police custody under a 15-day remand order while investigations continue.
According to police, these suspects operated 43 Telegram channels dedicated to distributing harmful content, including exploitative material involving minors. Investigators estimate that more than 300,000 images and videos were shared through these channels.
Wider Criminal Activity Discovered
Police investigations have also revealed that the suspects were involved in other illegal activities. Evidence retrieved from Zubair Ali’s phone pointed to multiple financial scams. These transactions were reportedly facilitated by Nasif Ali, who is believed to have managed the monetary side of their operations.
In addition to financial crimes, Zubair is alleged to have directly uploaded exploitative content to the Telegram channels. "Our investigation has shown that Zubair Ali was involved in acquiring and distributing child exploitative material, and engaged others in these activities through online platforms," Abbas said.
Impact on Victims and Calls for Accountability
In some instances, victims who became aware of their images being shared on these channels requested their removal, but Zubair allegedly demanded money or other favors in exchange for taking down the content.
The police have seized a total of 14 electronic devices connected to the suspects and closed nine Telegram channels that were directly linked to their activities. As the investigation expands, authorities have taken control of an additional 571 channels suspected of sharing illicit material.
The Maldives Police Service has also discovered that around 34,680 people subscribed to these channels, collectively paying over MVR 2 million for access to the content.
Legal Framework and Next Steps
Azeef Abbas assured the public that there is a legal framework in place to hold not only the operators of these channels accountable but also individuals who subscribed to and distributed the illegal material. "We are working closely with the Prosecutor General’s Office to take the necessary legal action against all involved, including subscribers," he said.
The Maldives Police Service continues to investigate the case, vowing to bring justice for the victims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
