PG Office drops charges against Adhlan over lack of evidence in CSAM case

The Prosecutor General’s Office has stated that the decision to withdraw charges against Adam Adhlan Latheef, of Moonimaage, Th. Vilufushi, was made due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Latheef had been arrested on allegations of selling and trafficking child pornography.

The Prosecutor General's Office has decided not to press charges against Adhlan in this case, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.

The Maldives Police Service concluded its investigation into the matter and submitted the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office on May 5, 2024.

After reviewing the case documents, the Prosecutor General’s Office initially decided to return the matter to the police, citing insufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges. However, following a request from the police to review that decision, and as a precautionary measure to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring, two charges were filed against Adhlan in the Criminal Court on May 19, 2024.

Adhlan was initially charged under Section 246 of the Penal Code for the knowing possession of child pornography on a computer system, and under Section 622 for the possession of pornographic material.

However, upon further review following the submission of the case to court, it was determined that there is no evidence to substantiate the primary allegations involving the sale or distribution of child pornography, or any affiliation with such a network.

The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that although a large number of digital devices were seized by the police, most of them did not contain evidence that could hold Adhlan accountable. The office further noted that while explicit material was discovered on devices linked to him, there was insufficient evidence to prove the content constituted child pornography. Consequently, the office confirmed that charges for the possession of child pornography could not be pursued.

The only viable charge against Adhlan in this matter is the possession of child pornography. However, as the basic penalty for this offense is a prison sentence of one month and six days, and considering that Adhlan has already spent 28 days in custody during the investigation phase, he would not be required to serve any additional time even if the charges are proven.

Consequently, the Prosecutor General’s Office has withdrawn the charges from court, citing that proceeding with the prosecution is no longer in the interest of justice.