Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations against the staff of a diver centre based in Vilimale’, Moodhu Bulhaa.
An X account under the name ‘boxfishfiles’ has posted multiple stories accusing several Moodhu Bulhaa staff of sexual misconduct. The account has also released a statement by 14 alleged victims between the ages of 15 and 35.
The account claims many of these incidents occurred in the presence of Zoona Naseem (Zoonti), the owner of the dive centre, and that many of the staff members were aware of the situation. Despite this, the account alleges that the dive centre did not report the incidents, and that Zoonti failed to take any action in response.
Speaking with Sun regarding the matter, a Police Spokesperson confirmed that the statement alleging sexual misconduct that is viral on social media has come to their attention. As such, the Spokesperson said the Police were investigating the allegations made in the statement.
The alleged victims report experiencing sexual harassment, abuse, and assault by certain divers employed by the dive centre, with some of the victims being minors. It was also claimed that some divers engaged in inappropriate sexual discussions during classes conducted for children.
Notably, Moodhu Bulhaa has also been accused of obstructing a rape case under investigation by the Police which allegedly implicates divers from the diver centre.
Zoonti has denied all allegations in a statement, citing allegations that she, on a personal level, has been aware of such incidents as “categorically false.” She stressed that it was disheartening to read the accusations while neither she nor the dive centre has ever received any such complaints.