UNODC Donate Advanced Forensic Equipment to Strengthen Maldives Police Service

News

The United States government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have donated a suite of sophisticated investigative equipment to the Maldives Police Service (MPS), marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to enhance its forensic and investigative capabilities.

The donation includes advanced RAMAN spectroscopy devices, which enable rapid, non-destructive forensic analysis of materials, and access to specialised Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) systems designed to assist in tracking financial crimes and illicit monetary flows.

According to MPS, these tools will provide cutting-edge technological support for modern evidence processing and crime analysis, bolstering the institution’s ability to combat organised and transnational crime more effectively.

This initiative forms part of a broader nationwide capacity-building effort spearheaded by the Government, which has expanded police presence to all inhabited islands across the Maldives — a milestone achievement aimed at enhancing community safety and security.

In parallel, the Government is making significant progress in digital security infrastructure development. Work is currently underway on a Police Cyber Security Operation Centre and Data Centre, described as the nation’s “shield and watchtower” in cyberspace. These integrated facilities will enable authorities to proactively detect, prevent, and mitigate cyber threats, further strengthening the Maldives’ resilience against emerging security challenges.

The combined support from the US and UNODC is expected to significantly reinforce the Maldives’ law enforcement and forensic framework, advancing the country’s commitment to modern policing and national security innovation.