Crime in the Maldives

[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."

[2] The Maldives are near one of two major illicit opium producing centers in Asia - the Golden Triangle[6] comprising Myanmar, Thailand and Laos.

[6] Abuse of illegally produced heroin is a visible problem in the Maldives as well as other South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

[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.