Three Arrested for Distributing Pornographic Content via Telegram
Three individuals have been arrested by the police for allegedly distributing pornographic photos and videos through the messaging app Telegram.
The suspects were identified following a special operation by the Cyber Crime Centre, which targeted those involved in selling explicit content, including images of both adults and children.
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The arrested individuals have been named as:
- Zubair Ali, 45, Bahaaruge, Alif Dhaalu atoll Mahibadhoo
- Nasif Ali, 46, Male’ Register no. 14751, Male’
- Ismail Rabeeh, 29, Silinco, Kaafu atoll Kaashidhoo
According to police, all three suspects have been remanded in custody by the court. Zubair Ali has appeared in court four times, and during his hearing on 30 August, his remand was extended by 15 days. Nasif Ali, who has appeared in court three times, had his remand similarly extended for 15 days during a hearing last Thursday. Both Zubair and Nasif were apprehended on 10 August. Rabeeh, arrested on 20 August, had his remand set for 15 days during his second court appearance on Thursday.
Following their arrests, authorities have seized 14 digital devices linked to the case. In addition, nine Telegram accounts operated by the suspects have been confiscated. Police have also taken control of 571 Telegram channels containing pornographic content.
Police stated that the investigation has so far uncovered 241,651 pornographic images and 86,618 pornographic videos shared through these channels, including material involving minors under the age of 18. The investigation further revealed that 43 Telegram channels were specifically engaged in distributing content involving children.
The police report that these channels had 3,468 paid subscribers and that the suspects had earned over MVR 2 million in subscription fees. The investigation is ongoing.
