Maldives Police Service has said some people leaking videos of people engaging in sexual acts and using such videos to blackmail people have been identified.
Since last week, nude and homosexual videos of some political figures and others have been circulating on social media. It is alleged that they were being blackmailed through the videos.
In a press conference held Monday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riyaz said people have been identified in connection with the videos and are being investigated. He said the police have been investigating the case since March.
However, ACP Riyaz did not disclose how many people had been identified in the case. He said such information cannot be made public when investigating sensitive cases.
"In this case, we have identified the people involved in [leaking] these videos. We are investigating the people who need to be investigated," he said.
Riyaz added that homosexuality is a serious criminal offense, and those involved in such cases will be brought to justice. He said he would not back down because the offender was a certain person and in a specific position.
Among the leaked videos is a video of a man believed to be Nazim Abdul Sattar, the brother of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. His statement has been taken, and his passport has now been seized.
In addition, police are investigating a nude photograph of a man believed to be Henveiru South MP Hussain Shaheem (Andhun Hussain).
