The Maldives Police Service today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to combat transnational organized crime.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Maldives Police Service by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed (Two Four). Representing the U.S. agencies was Earl Mattear, Regional Attaché for the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The United States characterized the agreement as a step toward strengthening the security partnership between the two nations. The objective of the MoU is to prevent serious cross-border crimes and dismantle the networks behind them.
The scope of the agreement includes tackling terrorism, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. Furthermore, both countries have committed to joint efforts in combating financial and economic crimes, intellectual property rights violations, and the proliferation of dangerous weapons.
According to the U.S. Embassy, this agreement will enhance information sharing between the law enforcement agencies of both countries and facilitate mutual assistance in criminal investigations. The collaboration will also involve conducting joint operations targeting specific crimes and reinforcing existing institutional ties.
The Maldives Police Service highlighted this partnership as a major advancement in enhancing their operational capacity and bolstering the Maldives' efforts against international crime.
Under the MoU, the parties plan to organize training programs, seminars, and exchange visits to further develop the technical expertise of the police force.
Since the current administration took office, security cooperation with the United States has expanded significantly. In addition to the police, the U.S. continues to provide support to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), complemented by frequent high-level visits from U.S. officials to the Maldives.
