Police are investigating allegations that travel media businessman Sunny Umar sexually assaulted several children in his family, according to relatives and local media reports.
Family members filed a complaint after the allegations surfaced. Police said they are investigating. Umar left the Maldives before the probe began.
Media reports say he travelled to India after leaving the country. There are rumours that he later moved to a European destination through India, but this has not been confirmed.
A family member told local media that the abuse had taken place for about ten years and that some victims had suffered serious harm.
Umar worked in tourism media and operated several tourism and media ventures. He founded The Travel Guys, Maldives Halal Travel, Halal Weekly, Talent MV, Island Post and Kavi Pvt Ltd. He also held interests in other businesses.
Local media reports say Umar admitted to the abuse before fleeing. He also faced accusations of using a fake PhD and presenting himself with the “Dr” title.