Tuesday
30th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Prostitution has been spread through Maldives through ‘Jazeera’ Telegram groups.
A taxi driver has been arrested for allegedly participating and facilitating a prostitution ring through Telegram groups under the “Jazeera” name.
Police said a 60-year-old man was arrested on the 30th of last month in connection with the Jazeera groups that were involved in prostitution, drug trafficking and other serious crimes.
It has been learned that he was the driver of the taxi used to transport prostitutes through the groups. He was remanded in custody for 15 days after being produced in court.
Police initially arrested a 28-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman last month on suspicion of running the groups after investigating the Jazeera Telegram channels, which had been operating since April last year for the purpose of carrying out various serious crimes.
Police said at a press conference last month that the groups had brought women from various countries abroad into the prostitution business. Maldivian women are also involved.
The Telegram group had more than 7,000 members. Police said the prostitution was carried out in collaboration with a taxi driver.
"These are the most widespread channels in Maldives. There are more than 7,000 people on these channels, including locals and foreigners," Cyber Police Investigation Officer Aminath Mohamed told a press conference.
The two individuals arrested on charges of running the Telegram groups did not make any income, but more than 2 million MVR had been transferred from each of their accounts, police said.