Maldives Police Service has confirmed that significant progress has been made in the investigation into child sexual abuse allegations against tourism businessman Dr. Sunny Umar, who remains in police custody. Authorities stated that the Criminal Court remand order keeping him detained for 30 days is set to expire on January 01, 2026.
In a further development, sources within the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has confirmed that three victims have been officially identified through information received from various sources. Officials stated that the victims were identified as part of ongoing coordination with relevant authorities, though further details were withheld to protect those affected.
Dr. Sunny Umar, also known as Hussain Sunny Umar of G. Maavani, Malé City, was remanded after the Prosecutor General’s Office submitted a request under Articles 30 and 33 of the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children Act, with reference to Article 49 of the Constitution. The Criminal Court approved the request and ordered his detention while investigations continue. The Prosecutor General’s Office has previously stated it may seek further extensions and pursue detention until the trial concludes.
The case first surfaced after allegations circulated on social media accusing Dr. Sunny of sexually abusing children from his wife’s family. Family sources later claimed that more victims had been identified, while one case has already been formally submitted to police.
Police earlier confirmed that they began looking into the matter after it came to their attention through media reports. Dr. Sunny had initially left the Maldives for New Delhi shortly after the allegations became public. Upon his return, he was summoned immediately to the Family and Child Protection unit for questioning. Sources familiar with the case also stated that he attempted to flee again after arriving back in the country, before police intervention.
Dr. Sunny is the owner of The Travel Guys Pvt Ltd, which publishes tourism magazines Travelution, Maldives Halal Travel, and The Island Post, and operates a travel agency under the Maldives Halal Travel brand. His detention and the expanding investigation have sent shockwaves through the tourism and media sectors.
With police confirming substantial investigative progress and the Ministry of Gender verifying the identification of three victims, attention now turns to the January 01 court date, when a decision is expected on whether Dr. Sunny Umar’s remand will be extended as the case moves closer to trial.
