The Criminal Court has sentenced three men to prison for running an extensive network of Telegram channels that were utilized to share sexually explicit images and videos of both Maldivians and foreigners for profit.

The identified convicted individuals are Zubair Ali, Bahaaruge, ADh. Mahibadhoo, Nasif Ali, Dhaftharu No. RS14751, Male’ and Ismail Zabeeh, Silinkoe, K. Kaashidhoo. They faced charges for money laundering as well as for possessing and distributing pornographic content in the Maldives.

Police reports from two years prior indicated that the inquiry led to the confiscation of 14 digital devices and nine Telegram accounts linked to the suspects. Officials also seized 571 channels featuring explicit content. The inquiry revealed that the channels had 241,651 images and 86,618 videos, featuring content involving minors, with Maldivian women being a specific focus.

Additionally, the Police discovered 43 channels focused on the dissemination of child pornography. Authorities discovered that 34,680 people had paid to subscribe to these channels, resulting in illegal profits of around MVR 2 million for the perpetrators.

Zubair Ali received an 18-day sentence for one count of possessing pornographic content, one year and six months for another count, and nine days for a third count. He received a sentence of two years and six months in prison along with a fine of MVR 600,000 for money laundering.

Ismail Zabeeh received a prison sentence of two years and six months and was ordered to pay a fine of MVR 100,000 for money laundering. Likewise, Nasif Ali was found guilty of money laundering and received a prison sentence of two years and six months, along with a fine of MVR 263,232.