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Police have arrested nine Maldivian men in an investigation into an alleged rape involving a 22-year-old woman and suspected sexual abuse and exploitation of children on a southern island.
Mariyam Adheela
Police investigate alleged sexual abuse involving a 22-year-old woman and children on a southern Maldivian island -- Photo: AI-generated image
UPPER SOUTH, Maldives: Nine Maldivian men have been arrested as police investigate an alleged rape involving a 22-year-old woman and suspected sexual abuse and exploitation of children on an island in the Maldives’ Upper South Police Division.
The case involving the woman was reported to police last Tuesday. Investigators subsequently identified allegations involving children, according to police spokesperson Ahmed Shiyam.
Shiyam confirmed the arrests today, saying a special police team had been deployed from Male’ to assist with the investigation on the island.
Police said further information would be provided as the investigation progresses. The island’s name and further details about the suspects and alleged victims have not been disclosed.
