Russia evades sanctions and “relaxes” in the Maldives

The Maldives has become one of the main routes used to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia.

TodayPress TV reports that The Wall Street Journal wrote about this.

According to the report, the scheme operates through Velana International Airport in Malé. Cargo brought to the Maldives from the United States, Europe and China is cleared by local intermediaries and then sent to Moscow on daily Aeroflot flights.

During the reprocessing of documents, information about the original seller is reportedly removed, while the cargo undergoes only minimal customs inspections.

According to the allegations, aircraft spare parts, microchips for missile guidance systems, optical equipment for satellites, as well as various components that could be used in aircraft and long-range missiles are being shipped to Russia through the Maldives.

According to Russian statistics, imports from the Maldives to Russia amounted to less than $7 million in 2021, while in 2022 the figure exceeded $630 million.

The United States and the European Union have reportedly already been pressuring the Maldivian authorities to shut down this channel.

Kubra Musayeva