Female Suspect’s Remand Extended by 15 Days in Telegram Crime Network Case

The remand of a female suspect apprehended in connection with a significant local crime network, which operates through Telegram, has been extended by 15 days.

In a previous statement, law enforcement disclosed their investigation of several Telegram channels, namely ‘Jazeera Admin,’ ‘Jazeera Girls,’ and ‘Jazeera Link Habar.’

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According to authorities, these channels have been active since April of the preceding year. Following their investigation, two suspects were detained: a 28-year-old Maldivian man and a 39-year-old Maldivian woman.

With the woman’s initial remand period complete, police seek an extension. During a hearing conducted on Friday, the woman, who claimed to be employed, urged for a swift resolution of the investigation. Consequently, the court granted a 15-day extension to her remand.

Meanwhile, the male suspect’s remand has yet to expire. However, on March 30th, law enforcement apprehended another individual in connection to the case—a 60-year-old Maldivian man. 

According to the police, he serves as the driver of a taxi implicated in facilitating a prostitution racket through one of the Telegram channels.

In a press briefing on March 17th, authorities announced their probe into Telegram channels utilized for illicit activities, including prostitution and drug trafficking. These channels reportedly boasted over 7,000 followers.

Law enforcement described the channel as the largest ever discovered in the Maldives and noted that its audience comprised both locals and foreigners.