The Prosecutor General’s Office has formally charged former Bright Minds chief Ali Aflah with six offences linked to allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.
According to the prosecution, the charges were filed in court earlier this week following a police investigation into claims that Aflah abused a female victim over a period spanning several years.
The charges include three counts related to unlawful sexual conduct, one count of grooming a child for sexual exploitation, one count of engaging in sexual activity with a minor while occupying a position of trust, and one count of obstructing justice.
Authorities allege the abuse occurred repeatedly between the time the victim was 14 and 16 years old. Investigators say the offences were committed while Aflah held a position that allowed him to gain the trust of the victim.
The case has been prosecuted under several laws, including the Sexual Offences Act, the Child Rights Protection Act, legislation governing child sexual abuse cases, and provisions of the Penal Code.
Police previously stated that Aflah left the Maldives after the allegations surfaced. He was later taken into custody upon returning to the country from Mumbai, India.
Aflah was arrested in February and remains detained pending the outcome of court proceedings. His current remand period is scheduled to expire on 11 June.
