Police have arrested nine Maldivian men in connection with an investigation into the alleged rape of a 22-year-old woman and the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors on an island in the Upper South Police Division.
The case was first reported earlier in the week. During the inquiry, investigators uncovered additional allegations involving minors, expanding the scope of the investigation. A specialised team from Malé has been dispatched to the island and is conducting operations on the ground.
Police have confirmed that all those arrested are Maldivian men. Identities of the suspects and the precise location have not been released in order to protect the victims. Authorities described the matter as a high-priority investigation and said further updates would be issued as the case progresses.
The Upper South Police Division covers Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls. Multiple independent reports have corroborated the arrests and the dual nature of the allegations involving an adult victim and minors.
The Maldives Police Service has stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that no further details on potential charges will be disclosed at this stage.