Authorities in the Maldives have successfully dismantled a network of Telegram channels involved in the distribution of pornography. The operation, led by the Maldives Police Service's Cyber Crime Center, resulted in the seizure of multiple channels and the arrest of three individuals.
The suspects, identified as Zubair Ali, 45, from Adh. Mahibadhoo; Naasif Ali, 46, from Male'; and Ismail Rabih, 29, from Kaashidhoo, were taken into custody during a coordinated raid. The police also conducted searches on 14 digital devices and seized nine Telegram accounts linked to the illicit activity.
According to police reports, the network had earned approximately 2 million Maldivian Rufiyaa from running these channels. The investigation uncovered a disturbing amount of content, including 571 channels that posted 241,651 photos and 86,618 videos featuring women, including minors. Notably, 43 of these channels were found to be dedicated to child pornography.
The police have identified a total of 3,468 subscribers to these channels. The Cyber Crime Center has urged anyone who may have been a victim of such activities to come forward and provide information via their official website.
The crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to address and curb online exploitation and trafficking. The Maldives Police Service continues to intensify its efforts to combat cybercrime and protect vulnerable individuals.
The suspects, identified as Zubair Ali, 45, from Adh. Mahibadhoo; Naasif Ali, 46, from Male'; and Ismail Rabih, 29, from Kaashidhoo, were taken into custody during a coordinated raid. The police also conducted searches on 14 digital devices and seized nine Telegram accounts linked to the illicit activity.
According to police reports, the network had earned approximately 2 million Maldivian Rufiyaa from running these channels. The investigation uncovered a disturbing amount of content, including 571 channels that posted 241,651 photos and 86,618 videos featuring women, including minors. Notably, 43 of these channels were found to be dedicated to child pornography.
The police have identified a total of 3,468 subscribers to these channels. The Cyber Crime Center has urged anyone who may have been a victim of such activities to come forward and provide information via their official website.
The crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to address and curb online exploitation and trafficking. The Maldives Police Service continues to intensify its efforts to combat cybercrime and protect vulnerable individuals.
