Police are investigating additional allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation in connection with a reported rape of a 22-year-old woman on an island in the southern atolls.
Police spokesperson Ahmed Shiyam said the alleged rape was reported to police on Tuesday. The incident reportedly occurred on an island under the Upper South Police Division.
According to Shiyam, investigators uncovered further allegations that children had been sexually abused and exploited during the investigation.
He said the case is being treated as a serious matter and remains under investigation.
One suspect has been taken into police custody in connection with the allegations.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
