PG withdraws charges against man accused in child abuse material case
According to information previously released by police, investigators traced transactions from the wallet to a cryptocurrency account linked to Adhlan.
The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office has withdrawn charges against a 22-year-old man who was arrested earlier this year in connection with an investigation into the possession and alleged trading of child sexual abuse material using cryptocurrency.
Adam Adhlan Latheef of Munimaage, Th. Vilufushi, was arrested by police on 5 April following an investigation into reports that child sexual abuse images and videos were being traded through a Binance cryptocurrency wallet.
According to information previously released by police, investigators traced transactions from the wallet to a cryptocurrency account linked to Adhlan.
Police also said forensic examinations of electronic devices seized during the investigation uncovered a large quantity of images and videos containing child pornography, including material depicting the sexual abuse of children.
The case drew attention after the PG Office initially decided in May not to prosecute Adhlan.
Following a request from police to review that decision, prosecutors reversed their position and filed charges in court on 19 May.
Two charges were submitted against Adhlan:
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Possession of child pornography on a computer system or data storage medium under Section 246 of the Penal Code.
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Production of pornography under Section 622 of the Penal Code.
Under sentencing guidelines, the first charge carries a prison term of three years and two months upon conviction, while the second carries a prison term of one month and six days.
However, a source familiar with the matter has confirmed that the PG Office has now withdrawn both charges and removed the case from court.
The reason for the decision has not been disclosed.
Efforts to obtain comment from the PG Office have so far been unsuccessful.
The case previously led to discussions between police and prosecutors after concerns were raised within the investigation team that the suspect could be released without charges being filed within the applicable legal timeframe.
Police officials also expressed concern at the time over the handling of the case and argued that it should be treated in line with other cases involving child sexual abuse material.
The withdrawal of the charges comes amid wider scrutiny of decisions by the PG Office in several criminal cases.
The office has previously faced criticism over decisions not to prosecute certain cases or to withdraw charges after proceedings had already commenced.
Neither the PG Office nor the court has publicly disclosed whether any further action will be taken in relation to the case.
