15-yo sex trafficking victim identifies Maldives ex-state minister as a perpetrator
Ashmalee claims to not being aware the website he used was a part of a child sex trafficking ring, says had booked "a massage"
Mohamed Ashmalee is among the 32 people arrested in relation to the case
A 15-year-old girl sexually exploited in Sri Lanka has identified Mohamed Ashmalee, a former Maldivian state minister, as one of her perpetrators in court.
While 32 people have been arrested in relation to the case reported in Mount Lavinia, 10 are accused of spearheading the network with the remaining 22 names as predators. An identification parade was carried out by investigators. Among those arrested include the girl's mother as well.
She was being sold online for sexual services over a period of three months.
While the girl has identified the Maldivian as a perpetrator, his lawyer claimed that Ashmalee had booked a massage online and was unaware the site was a part of a child sex trafficking ring.
According to Sri Lankan authorities, the girl had identified others as well, with ease. While the suspects have been released after paying a 25,000 Rupees bond, their passports have been withheld.
The court also warned them that any attempts to destroy evidence will result in them back in custody.
Inspector-General Rohan stated that the scam was busted after the Police received a tip of an online sex trafficking site and the matter was investigated. These people were arrested this June, in Mount Lavinia Hotel, a famous spot for Maldivian tourists.
During the investigation, it was found that there were more sex trafficking pages advertising minors in the same way. The party responsible for running the sites was arrested and is to be held in custody until the 19th of July.
Out of the 32 arrested, her mother was apprehended as well. The Mount Lavinia Hotel’s manager was taken in as he provided aid in booking rooms for these crimes to be committed and three men were arrested for putting up advertisements in websites.
