Crime in the Maldives

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Naifaru Police Station.

Crime in the Maldives ranks from low to moderate, but crime rates in the country have increased significantly in recent years.[1] Incidents of theft on beaches or in hotels do occur.[2] Juvenile delinquency is a growing problem in the Maldives.[citation needed] According to the data available from the Ministry of Defence and National Security, there has been an increase in petty crime in the country. In 1992, 169 cases of petty crime were reported, while the number was 462 in 1996. The number of sentenced persons under the age of 19 also increased from 391 in 1988 to 512 in 1998.[3] Fraud examiner Peter Lilley in his book Dirty Dealing writes that money laundering is not a significant problem in the Maldives.[4]

"Drug abuse in Maldives has reached alarming levels, and, according to several ministries and high ranking officials, is now the most serious problem the country is facing."

— Report of the International Narcotics Control Board 2006[5]

Drug abuse

drug trafficking in the Maldives is a side effect of the nation's increased exposure to the outside world.[8] Drug abuse is also associated with increasing incidents of theft and robbery.[9]

Terrorism

Threat of terrorist attacks is a matter of concern.[10] The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia advises travelers "to exercise caution" because of the high threat of terrorism.[11] According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), "Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners".[10]

Crime statistics

Rate of criminal homicide and assault in the Maldives declined by 30% between the years 1997–2002. Crime involving bribery and fraud also declined by 33% during this time.[8] The Corruption Perceptions Index in 2023 ranked the Maldives 93rd best out of 180 countries in terms of corruption. On a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being the least and hundred being most transparent, Transparency International rated the Maldives 39.[12]

References

  1. ISBN 978-0-313-33553-2
    .
  2. ^ a b "Maldives International Travel Information". Bureau of Consular Affairs. United States Department of State. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  3. ISBN 978-92-1-120184-0
    .
  4. ISBN 978-0-7494-4034-3
    .
  5. ^
    ISBN 978-92-1-148218-8
    .
  6. ^
    ISBN 978-92-1-120184-0
    .
  7. ISBN 81-7764-207-3
    .
  8. ^ a b "Maldives" (PDF). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  9. ISBN 978-92-1-148218-8
    .
  10. ^ a b "Maldives travel advice". Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Government of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  11. ^ "Maldives Travel Advice & Safety". Smart Traveller. Australian Government. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  12. ^ Corruption Perceptions Index 2007 Archived 2008-04-28 at the Wayback Machine Transparency International

External links

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