Financial Crime World

Crime Trends in the Maldives: Q4 2023 Report

The Maldives Police Service’s Bureau of Crime Statistics has released data for Q4 2023, providing valuable insights into crime trends in the country. This report highlights key findings on domestic violence, drugs, physical assault, and more.

Domestic Violence

  • The number of reported cases increased by 19% compared to the previous quarter.
  • A concerning trend that demands attention from authorities and communities alike.

Drugs

  • The number of detained individuals due to drug-related offenses increased by 66%.
  • This significant rise highlights the need for more effective strategies to combat substance abuse.

Physical Assault

  • The number of reported cases decreased by 25% compared to the previous quarter.
  • A positive trend, but still a concern that requires continued efforts to prevent such incidents.

Crime Distribution

Male City and Fuvahmulah City

  • Male City:
    • Accounts for approximately 75% of all crime reports in the Northern Division.
    • Accounts for approximately 29% of all crime reports in the Southern Division.
  • Fuvahmulah City: Has a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities, with a significant number of reported cases in Domestic Violence, Drugs, and Physical Assault.

Crime Severity

Detained Individuals and Seized Drugs

  • The total number of detained individuals due to various crimes increased by 44%.
  • The quantity of seized drugs, particularly cannabis, increased significantly.
  • Cannabis accounts for the majority of seized drugs, with a total weight of 29.9g.

Other Insights

Foreign Nationals and Age Distribution

  • Foreign Nationals: Account for approximately 10% of all crime reports in both divisions.
  • Age Distribution:
    • The majority of reported crimes involve individuals between the ages of 15-17 (34%) and 18-24 (26%).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and physical assault remain significant concerns in the Maldives. Additionally, Fuvahmulah City appears to have a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities.