The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has confirmed that a man named Sundaralingam Kudalingam, convicted in the United Kingdom in a sexual assault case, has never been issued a Maldivian passport.

According to reports published in several foreign newspapers, a British court sentenced a local man to four years in prison for sexual assault, with some local media outlets repeating the claim. The individual was identified as Sundaralingam Kudalingam, a name which the Ministry noted does not resemble those typically associated with Maldivian citizens. Nevertheless, the reports attracted wide discussion among the public.

In a statement responding to the coverage, the Ministry said that claims suggesting the man was a Maldivian national were unfounded. The Ministry confirmed that there are no records at the Department of National Registration of a citizen by that name, with Maldives Immigration confirming a Maldivian passport has never been issued to any individual by that name.

As such, the Ministry confirmed that the man convicted in the UK is not a Maldivian, advising the public and the media to ensure accuracy of information when reporting on such matters.