Criminal Court Releases Man Arrested Over Child Sexual Abuse Material Case

The Criminal Court has released a 22-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of buying and selling child sexual abuse photographs and videos.

Adam Adhlan Latheef, of Moonimaage in Th. Vilufushi, was arrested on April 5 under a court warrant. He was initially remanded for 15 days, before the remand period was extended by a further 12 days on April 22.

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He was produced before the Criminal Court again on Sunday after the remand period expired. However, no further details regarding the court’s decision were disclosed.

Police previously stated that Adhlan was arrested following information received that he had been using a Binance exchange wallet address to purchase and sell child pornography. Investigators said transactions had been transferred to his cryptocurrency wallet from the address under investigation.

According to police, forensic analysis conducted on electronic devices seized during the investigation uncovered a large number of photographs and videos containing child sexual abuse material, including videos depicting abuse.

The case is being investigated by the Family and Child Protection Department of the Maldives Police Service.

Police stated that cases involving the exploitation of children are treated as a special priority by the service.

Authorities have also expressed concern that, despite child sexual abuse remaining a significant issue in the Maldives, the number of cases reported to police continues to be low.