Maldives Used to Evade Russia Sanctions

The Maldives has become a transit hub for Western goods bound for Russia despite sanctions, according to an investigation by The Wall Street Journal.

Russian imports from the island nation surged to more than $630m in 2022, up from less than $7m the previous year, according to data from Import Genius.

The shipments pass through the airport in Malé, arriving from the US, Europe and China without formally entering the Maldives. Local companies alter the shipping documents before the goods continue to Moscow, often on regular Aeroflot flights.

The shipments include microchips, optical equipment for satellites and aircraft parts, some of which have ended up at sanctioned Russian companies, according to the WSJ.

Maldivian authorities are aware of the trade and are working to address it, but limited customs staff means goods in transit receive minimal checks, according to a source cited by the newspaper. The US and EU are pressing the Maldives to shut down the route.

(mja)