Zubair accused of attempting to recruit more people for exploitative content, illicit financial gains
30 accounts related to cloud storage have also been taken into police custody
Zubair Ali, one of the three arrested on suspicion of running Telegram channels containing nude content
Zubair Ali, who was arrested under accusations of being involved in circulating nude and exploitative content via Telegram channels, has worked to recruit more people by explaining methods to obtain exploitative photos and videos, as well as ways to get illicit financial gains in order to run Telegram channels containing inappropriate content.
This was revealed by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) at a press conference held to provide the updates on the case of creating several channels on Telegram and posting exploitative photos and videos of various people from the Maldives and abroad through these channels for commercial gain.
Speaking at the presser, Chief Inspector of Police Mohamed Fayaz Ismail revealed that 14 digital electronic devices have been seized from three individuals involved in the case.
He also stressed that nine Telegram accounts related to the case have been taken into police custody, along with a total of 571 Telegram channels, 27 Google accounts, 26 Facebook accounts, three WhatsApp accounts and three Viber accounts.
Fayaz said that 30 accounts related to cloud storage have also been taken into police custody.
The Chief Inspector of Police added that the Cyber Crime Center spent 640 hours analyzing and out of the 571 channels, 43 channels were specifically dedicated to posting child abuse materials of minors.
He also stressed that separate channels were created in the names of children, and some posts even contained profiles of certain children.
Findings indicate that these channels contained 241,651 inappropriate photos and 86,618 videos showing nude content of Maldivian women, including photos and videos of minors.
A total of 36,680 individuals have subscribed to the 571 Telegram channels.
Further, he stated that findings indicate this appears to be something Zubair had planned in advance.
Fayaz mentioned that they identified four common channels with the most subscribers.
The Cyber Crime Center conducted the special operation in connection with a case where numerous Telegram channels were created to post photos and videos displaying nude content of various individuals from the Maldives and abroad and monetizing these channels for financial gain.
Three individuals were arrested in connection with the case; Zubair Ali, 45, native to Mahibadhoo island of Alif Dhaal atoll, Naasif Ali, 46, native to capital Malé City and Ismail Zabeeh, 29, native to Kaashidhoo island of Kaafu atoll.
The suspects have been presented to court on multiple occasions for their remand hearing, and the court has ordered to maintain their detention.
In addition to this, nine Telegram accounts created under the names of the suspect have been seized and brought under police control. MPS has also seized and brought 571 channels containing nude content, under their control.
MPS has requested those who have had their photos and videos leaked on social media and those who have been victims of blackmail to share information with the Cyber Crime Center at 9136262.
At a time this appalling case has made the spotlight, authorities have urged the public to adhere to decent behaviors and become a responsible person with consideration to the privacy of others, in order to prevent falling victim to such undesirable acts.
