Travel media entrepreneur Hussain Sunny Umar has been arrested after returning to the Maldives, as police continue to investigate allegations that he sexually assaulted several children within his family. A video circulating on social media shows officers escorting him into a car outside the arrivals area of Velana International Airport. Police have not commented on the arrest.
Umar left the country before the investigation began. Media reports say he travelled to India after his departure. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting he later travelled to a European destination via India.
Family members filed a complaint after the allegations surfaced. Police said earlier that they were investigating the case. A relative told local media that the abuse had occurred over approximately ten years, with some victims suffering serious harm.
Umar worked in tourism media and operated several ventures. He founded The Travel Guys, Maldives Halal Travel, Halal Weekly, Talent MV, Island Post and Kavi Pvt Ltd. He held interests in other businesses.
Local media reports say Umar admitted to the abuse before fleeing. He had also faced accusations of holding a fake PhD and presenting himself as ‘Dr’ in his work.