Three men convicted of running explicit Telegram channels jailed and fined

Criminal Court has sentenced three men to prison for operating a large-scale network of Telegram channels used to distribute sexually explicit photographs and videos of Maldivians and foreigners for financial gain.

The convicted men have been identified as Zubair Ali, Bahaaruge, ADh. Mahibadhoo, Nasif Ali, Dhaftharu No. RS14751, Male’, and Ismail Zabeeh, Silinkoe, K. Kaashidhoo. They were charged with money laundering and the possession and distribution of pornographic material in the Maldives.

According to police statements from two years ago, the investigation resulted in the seizure of 14 digital devices and nine Telegram accounts registered in the suspects’ names. Authorities also took control of 571 channels containing explicit material. The investigation found that the channels contained 241,651 photographs and 86,618 videos, including material involving minors, with Maldivian women being a particular target.

Furthermore, the Police identified 43 channels dedicated to the distribution of child pornography. Investigators found that 34,680 individuals had paid to subscribe to these channels, generating illicit proceeds of approximately MVR 2 million for the suspects.

Zubair Ali was handed an 18-day prison term for one count of possessing pornographic material, one year and six months for a second count, and nine days for a third count. He was also sentenced to two years and six months in prison and fined MVR 600,000 for money laundering.

Ismail Zabeeh was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and fined MVR 100,000 for money laundering. Similarly, Nasif Ali was convicted of money laundering and sentenced to two years and six months in prison, in addition to being fined by MVR 263,232.