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Leaked videos: Five men arrested for blackmail

Police have arrested five men for extorting large sums of money by blackmailing them with threats to leak secretly-recorded videos of them having homosexual relations.

Although a statement on the police website said five people were arrested, the profiles of only three were publicized. The information of two people was not publicized as they were released after being produced before the court for a decision on their arrest and detention, police said.

The two suspects currently in police custody are Hamdhoon Abdulla, 37, of Akiri, Dharavandhoo; Mohamed Mihad Mustafa, 24, of Heema, Dharavandhoo; and Maumoon Moosa, 41, of Sea Star, Fonadhoo. Hamdhoon and Mihad were arrested on September 18, while Maumoon was arrested on September 20. Police said the men were arrested for allegedly threatening to leak explicit videos, blackmailing people and demanding large sums of money, and posting some of the recorded videos.

Hamdhoon has been remanded in custody for 15 days, Maumoon for ten days, and Mihad for seven days. Police said the investigation is ongoing.