Suspect arrested in sexual abuse of 16-year-old girl

Police have arrested the suspect in the sexual abuse of a teenage girl in central Maldives.

The sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl from an island under the jurisdiction of the North Central Police Division (K. Atoll, AA. Atoll, ADh. Atoll, and V. Atoll) was reported to the police last Saturday.

A police spokesperson said on Monday that they have arrested the suspect in the case – identified as a 38-year-old Maldivian male.

The case is under further investigation by the police.

Police have not disclosed further details regarding the case as it is an open investigation and involves a child victim.

Identities of child victims are protected by law.

Those with information regarding offenses against children are urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services’ helpline 1412.