Local entrepreneur Hussein Sunny Umar was arrested at Velana International Airport on Monday evening after the family of the minors involved formally lodged a police complaint accusing him of child sexual abuse.

Police detained Sunny as he exited the international terminal upon arrival in the Maldives and immediately escorted him to the Family Protection Department for questioning in connection with the newly filed complaint.

The case first surfaced on social media, where posts accused Sunny of sexually abusing minors within his in-laws’ family. Some posts further alleged that he had privately confessed to the acts. The online allegations rapidly gained traction, culminating in the family moving from public claims to submitting an official complaint with police.

Sunny is a well-known figure in the Maldivian tourism and media sectors. His company, The Travel Guys Private Limited, operates several digital platforms, including Travelution, Maldives Halal Travel, The Island Post, and a travel agency under the Maldives Halal Travel brand. He also holds shares in Skill Farm Pvt Ltd, a company focused on skills and career development.

The Maldives Police Service has confirmed that a full investigation is now underway. Officers are currently verifying the information submitted by the minors’ family and assessing the online claims that helped fuel widespread public concern.

Under the Sexual Offences Act, crimes involving minors are among the most serious offences under Maldivian law. If charged and subsequently convicted, Sunny could face a prison sentence ranging from seven to fifteen years.