Ali Aflah, the owner and operator of Bright Minds Education Pvt Ltd, a private tutoring company in the Maldives, has been arrested after returning to the country from abroad.

He had left the Maldives in August 2025 after allegations emerged that he groomed and sexually abused a minor student under his care.

The victim has cooperated with the Maldives Police Service and provided a detailed statement. Authorities have also obtained audio recordings believed to contain admissions related to the abuse.

When the allegations surfaced, there was an internal upheaval at Bright Minds: other owners and staff resigned, and his shares in the company were transferred to his brother and sister-in-law, though he reportedly continued to exert influence through them.

On 11 February 2026, police spotted Aflah at Mumbai Airport while he was returning to the Maldives and arrested him upon arrival.

There are concerns and allegations that his relatives may be trying to use political connections to protect him or help him evade justice.