Man freed in case tied to crypto‑based sale of child sex abuse material

The Criminal Court has released a man arrested on suspicion of selling child sexual abuse photos and videos.

Adam Adhlan Latheef, 22, Moonimaage, Th. Vilufushi, was arrested on April 5 under a court warrant. His remand was first set at 15 days and later extended by 12 days on the 22nd of last month. He was produced before the Criminal Court again on Sunday after the remand expired, but no further details were disclosed.

Police earlier said Adhlan was arrested following a tip‑off that he was using a Binance exchange wallet address to buy and sell child pornography. Investigators said money had been transferred to his crypto wallet from the address in question.

Police said forensic analysis of electronic devices seized from him uncovered a large number of photographs and videos containing child sexual abuse material, including videos of abuse.

The case is being investigated by the Family and Child Protection Department.

Police said cases involving the exploitation of children are treated as a special priority by the Maldives Police Service.

Although child sexual abuse remains a significant issue in the Maldives, authorities have expressed concern that the number of cases reported to police is still low.