The United States government has notified the Maldivian government to halt the use of the Maldives as a hub for evading U.S. sanctions against Russia, as concerns over the issue escalate.
An investigative report published by the Wall Street Journal revealed that the U.S. government has shared its concerns with the Maldives, requesting that the country stop the transit of sanctioned goods to Russia.
According to the report, sanctioned goods are being transported to Russia via the Maldives by importing them from various countries and then re-exporting them through Aeroflot flights departing from Velana International Airport.
The items exported from the Maldives to Russia include microchips that can be used in missile guidance systems, hardware for tracking satellites, and specialized steel bolts required for jet fighters and long-range missiles.
The Wall Street Journal reported that both the U.S. and Europe are exerting pressure on the Maldives regarding the flow of sanctioned goods to Russia. Citing an official, the newspaper stated that the Maldivian government has been formally instructed by Western authorities to close this supply route.
Based on airway bills, shipping documents, and interviews with officials, the Wall Street Journal reported that goods are being exported from the Maldives to Russia through the falsification of documents. The report identified two Maldivian companies—Go Investments and Freight Care—as being involved in these operations.
Official statistics from Maldives Customs show that between 2022 and 2025, the Maldives exported only USD 2,500 worth of fish and USD 25 worth of leaflets to Russia. However, findings from ImportGenius, a U.S.-based trade data firm, reveal that the Maldives exported USD 630 million worth of goods to Russia in 2022 alone.
Before this, in 2021, the Maldives exported only USD 7 million worth of goods to Russia. This indicates a significant surge in exports to Russia following the commencement of the war in Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal further reported that goods re-exported from the Maldives are not physically inspected. Instead, Maldivian officials only verify the accompanying documentation. The report attributed this practice to a shortage of personnel within the Maldives Customs Service.
