Cyber Crime and Organized Crime on the Rise in Maldives

The Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and coral reefs, has been grappling with a surge in cyber crimes and organized crime, despite being considered a low-risk country for serious offenses.

The Lack of Preparedness

According to a recent report, the Maldivian government lacks concrete policies to combat cyber crimes, including legal frameworks, technical measures, capacity development, and cooperative measures. This lack of preparedness has led to an increase in spyware and identity theft cases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Crime on the Rise

Financial crime is also on the rise in the Maldives, with evidence emerging over the past two years indicating its growing prevalence. Mafia-style groups have become a significant issue, with gang violence and organized crimes including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering becoming more common.

Connection to Political and Religious Extremists

These criminal networks are often connected to political and religious extremists, making it challenging to identify members. Journalists and media outlets have also been targeted for publishing content related to gang violence, restricting press freedom in the country.

Corruption Remains a Significant Issue

Corruption remains a significant issue in the Maldives, with state-embedded actors able to carry out acts of embezzlement and bribery due to institutional weaknesses. Parliamentarians, ministers, and judges have been involved in corruption cases, resulting in losses for the state amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Challenges in Leadership and Governance

The country’s leadership and governance structures also face challenges, including politicization and systemic corruption, particularly in government procurement. The Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission lacks the authority to investigate corruption in the private sector, leaving accountability and transparency institutions weak and entangled in partisan politics.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

Despite these challenges, the Maldivian government has made efforts to combat organized crime through policies and international cooperation. In 2021, a program was launched to increase capacity for screening illicit international travel, and a trilateral security meeting resulted in specific policy proposals for cooperation on terrorism, marine safety and security, and organized crime.

Challenges in the Judicial System

The country’s judicial system is also criticized for lacking proper access to justice, particularly in high-profile cases. External pressure from criminal groups has affected the independence of the judiciary, despite demands for reform from the international community.

Law Enforcement Struggles

The Maldives’ law enforcement continues to struggle with a lack of public trust, weak anti-corruption efforts, and porous borders, making it vulnerable to smuggling activities. The country’s financial regulatory environment is also weak, leaving it susceptible to money laundering and terrorist financing.

Civil Society Organizations’ Calls for Action

In response to these challenges, civil society organizations have called for greater investment in witness protection programs and restorative justice approaches. The government has proposed the Evidence Bill, which has been met with opposition from journalist organizations and NGOs, citing concerns over press freedom.

A Comprehensive Approach Needed

As the Maldives looks to recover from economic difficulties and address its organized crime issues, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed to address these challenges. The country’s leadership must work to rebuild trust within local communities and invest in stronger institutions and policies to combat cyber crimes and corruption.