A male resident of Villingili island of Gaafu Alifu Atoll has been arrested on allegations of statutory rape.

Officers claim that the man is accused of having had ‘consensual’ sexual relations with a young boy.

Both of them are currently in custody, although they have yet to reveal any further information on the matter.

There have been nine cases of sexual offenses reported to the police thus far this year. Last year alone, there had been 417 cases filed to them.

Sexual offenses in the Maldives include harassment, sexual assault, same-sex relations, and the possession and distribution of pornography.