-By Security Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -17.March.2025, 9.45 PM) The growing influence of organized crime in South Asia has raised serious security concerns, with Maldivian criminal networks allegedly playing a key role in transnational drug trafficking and passport fraud. Intelligence reports suggest that a Maldivian gang known as the "Masoodi" network has been operating in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with alleged support from high-ranking Maldivian officials, including Immigration Chief Shaman Waheed.
These allegations have caught the attention of international law enforcement agencies, with the United States and European authorities reportedly scrutinizing the involvement of Maldivian officials in facilitating criminal activities, including drug smuggling, money laundering, and even the sale of Maldivian passports to individuals linked to militant organizations.
Organized criminal groups from the Maldives have been expanding their operations beyond their home country, using Sri Lanka as a strategic base for illicit activities. The Masoodi gang, named after its alleged leader, is believed to be involved in a sophisticated network of drug trafficking, extortion, and document forgery.
Authorities claim that members of this network collaborate with international narcotics syndicates, acting as intermediaries for drug shipments moving between South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Given Sri Lanka’s geographical position and its historic role as a regional transit hub, criminal groups see the country as a critical link in the global drug trade.
A Sri Lankan security analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
"Colombo has become a hotspot for transnational criminal activities. The presence of Maldivian gangs, particularly the Masoodi group, has escalated drug-related crimes and underworld activities. These groups work with international cartels, and their operations are facilitated by corrupt officials in the Maldives."
At the center of the controversy is Maldivian Immigration Chief Shaman Waheed, who has been accused of facilitating illegal activities through the misuse of Maldivian passports. Reports suggest that his department has issued travel documents to individuals linked to criminal and extremist organizations, providing them with greater access to visa-free travel across multiple countries.
Western intelligence sources claim that Maldivian passports have been fraudulently issued to members of groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, allowing them to move freely under false identities. This practice, if proven, could have severe diplomatic and security consequences, particularly for South Asian nations and their Western allies.
A former Maldivian intelligence officer, who spoke under conditions of anonymity, stated:
"There has been a growing black market for Maldivian passports. The involvement of senior officials raises concerns about state complicity. If terrorists are using Maldivian documents to gain access to other countries, this poses a significant risk to global security."
The U.S. State Department has reportedly been monitoring these developments, with calls to classify the Masoodi gang and its alleged backers as a transnational criminal organization. If such a designation is made, it could lead to asset freezes, travel bans, and international sanctions against those involved.
The Maldives has long been a transit point for drug trafficking due to its proximity to major South Asian drug routes. However, recent trends indicate that Maldivian gangs are no longer just transit players—they are now deeply involved in the regional trade, particularly in Sri Lanka.
Authorities in Colombo have seen a rise in narcotics-related arrests linked to Maldivian nationals. Sri Lankan police recently intercepted a shipment of heroin allegedly tied to Maldivian traffickers, raising concerns that Colombo is becoming a key node in the expanding drug empire of these criminal networks.
According to law enforcement sources, the Masoodi gang primarily deals in heroin and methamphetamine, both of which are smuggled from Afghanistan via Pakistan before reaching South Asia. Once in Sri Lanka, the drugs are either distributed locally or rerouted to international markets, including Southeast Asia and Europe.
A senior Sri Lankan narcotics officer remarked:
"We are seeing a pattern where Maldivian nationals are playing a bigger role in regional drug trade. They have strong connections with cartels and use Sri Lanka as a logistical base. The involvement of corrupt officials in the Maldives only makes our job harder."
If these allegations are substantiated, the diplomatic fallout could be significant. Sri Lanka has long struggled with organized crime, but the potential involvement of foreign actors—especially Maldivian officials—could strain relations between the two countries.
For the Maldives, an international investigation into its immigration and law enforcement agencies could have far-reaching consequences. Western nations could impose travel restrictions or financial sanctions on individuals linked to criminal activities. Moreover, if Maldivian passports continue to be exploited by criminal elements, countries may tighten entry requirements for Maldivian citizens, affecting tourism and business travel.
An expert on South Asian security commented:
"If Maldivian officials are knowingly facilitating criminal enterprises, the international community will respond with strict measures. Countries may reconsider visa policies for Maldivians, and regional intelligence-sharing efforts will likely intensify."
Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives have vowed to strengthen law enforcement efforts against organized crime. However, systemic corruption remains a major challenge. Without major reforms and international cooperation, criminal networks like the Masoodi gang will likely continue to exploit weak immigration controls and porous borders.
There have been growing calls for a high-level investigation into the alleged connections between Maldivian officials and criminal organizations. Some experts believe that only a coordinated international effort—including financial sanctions, intelligence sharing, and stricter border controls—will effectively dismantle these networks.
A Sri Lankan MP, speaking about the issue in Parliament, stated:
"We cannot allow our country to become a safe haven for international criminals. Our security forces must work closely with global partners to eliminate these threats before they escalate further."
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Maldivian authorities and their response to these mounting allegations. If law enforcement fails to take decisive action, the Maldives risks becoming further entangled in the web of transnational crime, with consequences that could extend far beyond its borders.
-By Security Correspondent
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by (2025-03-17 16:17:02)
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