A teacher who owned and operated a private education company has been arrested after fleeing the Maldives amid grave allegations of child sexual abuse, bringing a disturbing case of grooming, deception, and alleged interference back into national focus.
Ali Aflah, a teacher and the owner of Bright Minds Education Pvt Ltd, left the country in August 2025 after his family discovered that he had been grooming and sexually abusing a minor who was a student at the institution he controlled. The victim has provided full cooperation to the Maldives Police Service, giving a detailed statement and supporting the investigation. She continues her studies in the Maldives and remains anonymous in her best interest.
According to information shared with authorities, Aflah exploited his position as both an educator and business owner to manipulate those around him. The abuse followed a prolonged pattern of grooming that began when the victim was young. Police have also received additional audio evidence, including recordings in which Aflah is heard making admissions related to the abuse.
As the allegations began to surface, Aflah allegedly attempted to mislead those closest to him. In late August 2025, he sent a suicide note to his ex-wife, creating the impression that he had taken his own life. It later emerged that he had instead fled overseas, initially travelling to Thailand.
Former owners and business partners of Bright Minds Education later disclosed that Aflah had confessed the crime directly to them. Along with his ex-wife, they reported both the sexual abuse allegations and related misconduct to the police and the Ministry of Education.
The revelations triggered a major internal fallout. In September 2025, the former owners and all administrative staff resigned from Bright Minds Education. All teachers were formally informed of the allegations. Despite the seriousness of the case, some teachers chose to remain at the institution.
Although Aflah was no longer in the country, multiple accounts indicate he continued to exercise control over the company. Legal ownership and operational authority were transferred to his brother, Dr. Ahmed Aslam Abdulla, and his brother’s wife, Aminath Mohamed. According to statements provided to police, the shares were held on Aflah’s behalf, allowing him to remain the real decision-maker behind the institution.
In October 2025, Aflah contacted the victim directly, claiming he was in Malaysia. The victim later informed authorities that Aflah continued to operate Bright Minds Education in practice, providing instructions and assistance through his relatives.
Throughout this period, Aflah’s ex-wife played a central role in pushing the case forward. While caring for herself and their infant daughter, she maintained constant pressure on law enforcement and provided full cooperation. Both she and the victim have received support from the police.
The case reached a turning point on 11 February 2026, when Aflah was spotted at Mumbai Airport while travelling toward the Maldives. Police were alerted immediately. Upon his return, officers moved swiftly and arrested him, ending months of evasion.
However, concerns remain even after the arrest. Sources close to the case allege that Aflah’s brother and sister-in-law are attempting to use political connections to help him evade accountability or flee again before the full details of the case are made public.
The arrest has intensified scrutiny on child protection within private education institutions, the misuse of authority by educators, and the influence of political networks on criminal investigations. As the inquiry continues, public pressure is mounting for authorities to act decisively, protect the survivor, and ensure that justice proceeds without interference.
