Nine arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting 22-year-old woman
24 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 11:35Police have identified additional cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation during an ongoing investigation in the Upper South Police Region, prompting the deployment of a specialized team from Male' to the island to conduct an extensive probe into these serious allegations.
A photograph depicting the psychological trauma resulting from sexual abuse. | Getty Images
Police have launched an investigation into a serious case involving the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman in a island within the Upper South Police Region. Authorities confirmed that nine Maldivian men have been taken into custody so far in connection with the incident.
In a message to the media, the police stated that the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman was reported to them on October 20, 2026. The police further revealed that as the investigation into this case progresses, additional related issues have been identified.
In this regard, police stated that the investigation has uncovered allegations involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. Consequently, the police are now treating this as a high-priority matter and are conducting an extensive, large-scale investigation.
To further strengthen the investigation into this matter, a specialized police team from Male' has been dispatched to the island.
