One Online has confirmed that the Maldivian arrested in Sri Lanka in connection to the Mt. Lavinia child prostitution case is the former Chairman of the local telecom giant, Dhiraagu, Mohamed Ashmalee.

Sri Lankan news media, News 1st reported that according to the Police Spokesperson, three suspects were arrested including a Maldivian suspect, for exploiting a 15-year-old for prostitution.

In an exclusive interview, the Spokesperson of the Sri Lankan Police, SDIG, Ajith Rohana told One Online that they arrested Ashmalee, who has also served previously as a State Minister at the Maldivian Ministry of Finance and Treasury, yesterday morning at 9:50 a.m.

Spokesperson SDIG Rohana said that Ashmalee is being charged with statutory rape of a 15-year-old. And so far, 32 people have been arrested in connection to the Mt. Lavinia child prostitution case.

The head of the prostitution ring, who was advertising the child on social media, was arrested in early June 2021 according to the Sri Lankan authorities.