Maldives Police Service have launched a search operation in former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed's residence.

Ali Waheed was fired as the Tourism Minister on Wednesday by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih following sexual harassment allegations by the Ministry staff.

Police confirmed that they have begun a search operation at the residence of Former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed. The search operation is with a court order and is related to the alleged sexual abuse case against him.

Ali Waheed is being accused of sexual harassment and assault by various employees of the Tourism Ministry, who had met with President Solih and the Gender Minister yesterday. During the meeting, they had shared first-hand accounts of the harassment.

Some sources claim that the number of employees Ali Waheed had harassed was at 9 while some claim 7, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Some of the employees were also subject to harassment and assault outside the workplace as well.

Maldives Police Service have also confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the issue but refrained from sharing any further details.